People are being approved for homecare packages in Mayo but that care cannot be given because the HSE does not have the resources.

That’s according to Castlebar Independent Cllr Michael Kilcoyne.

Cllr Kilcoyne raised the matter at this week’s HSE West Forum meeting.

He says that people who want to stay in their own homes and qualify for a homecare package, cannot do so as there is nobody available to provide the care.

The person’s name is then placed on the homecare waiting list, which Cllr Kilcoyne says seems to be a never-ending list.

He says this is leading to patients who could be at home, provided they had adequate support, remaining in hospitals. Cllr Kilcoyne says a homecare package costs around €250 per week on average, while a hospital bed is costing up to €6000 per week.