'People in Mayo are being let down' - Cllr Barrett on MUH HIQA report
The unannounced inspection, conducted on June 17 and 18, 2025, assessed conditions in the hospital's Emergency Department.
Independent Councillor Harry Barrett has called for increased investment and staffing at Mayo University Hospital following the publication of a Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) inspection report.
The unannounced inspection, conducted on June 17 and 18, 2025, assessed conditions in the hospital's Emergency Department.
The Castlebar councillor stated that he has ‘repeatedly raised concerns about overcrowding, trolley numbers and staff shortages’ at Mayo University Hospital.
According to the report, the Emergency Department treats more than 41,000 patients annually, despite being designed to accommodate approximately 25,000 patients each year. During the inspection, the hospital was operating under red escalation measures, with patients waiting on trolleys.
Cllr Barrett also highlighted findings that staff told inspectors they could safely manage up to five patients on trolleys in corridor spaces, but were regularly caring for between 14 and 16 patients in those areas during periods of peak demand.
The report also identified ongoing staffing shortages, stating that Mayo University Hospital requires additional nurses and healthcare assistants. It further noted that a national review of safe staffing levels for the Emergency Department had not yet been completed and that the implementation of a patient safety system had been delayed because of staffing constraints.
Cllr Barrett called on Mayo's TDs to work together to secure increased funding and staffing for the hospital.
“I am also calling on the Minister for Health to step in immediately, complete the Safe Staffing Framework for Mayo University Hospital, and provide the resources that have been identified,” he added.
He further extended his full support to the staff in Mayo University Hospital.
“They are working flat out every day in conditions that are far from ideal. They deserve better, and so do the people of Mayo,” he concluded.