Mayo University Hospital under increasing pressure due to COVID-19 outbreaks and high Emergency Department attendances

Mayo University Hospital is dealing with a significant increase in COVID-19 positive patients, while also seeing very high numbers of attendances through the Emergency Department.

In addition to the ED pressures, the hospital is treating over 40 patients with COVID-19 and the high community transmission rate in the region is having an impact on staffing levels. 

The hospital is dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak on one ward which has been closed to admissions. Access for visitors to the outbreak ward has been limited to compassionate grounds only and these visits should be arranged in advance with the nurse manager.

As a result of the pressures, the hospital is cancelling inpatient elective procedures for tomorrow, Tuesday, July 5. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.

Day case procedures and outpatient appointments are proceeding as usual and people should come to their appointments unless advised otherwise.

However, anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19, is a contact of someone with COVID-19 or is awaiting a COVID-19 test result should not come to their appointment and should reschedule by contacting the number on their appointment letter.

The hospital acknowledges that delays and postponements are very difficult for patients and their families and would like to apologise for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.

We are committed to treating everyone who presents at the Emergency Department; people who are seriously injured or ill are assessed and treated as a priority and those who do not require urgent care may be waiting longer. If your health problem is not an emergency you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours or the Westdoc GP out of hours service, in the first instance.

In addition, the Injury Unit in Roscommon University Hospital is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over five years of age.

Visitors

Visiting to all other wards is by appointment only.

If you are a nominated support person (visitor) for a patient in the hospital, we ask that you do not visit the hospital if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with anyone with COVID-19.

Children may not visit the hospital unless agreed in advance, on compassionate grounds, with the ward or unit manager.

Anyone coming to the hospital must complete a COVID-19 screening checklist and follow public health guidance, including wearing a surgical face mask and performing good hand hygiene regularly.