Mayo University Hospital is extremely busy today, which has resulted in pressure on bed availability in the hospital.

Hospital management say they regret that patients are currently experiencing long waiting times to be admitted from the Emergency Department to an acute bed in the hospital and know that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families.

They are remining the public to attend the Emergency Department (ED) only in the case of real emergencies. 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.

The Injury Unit in Roscommon University Hospital is also open 8am to 8pm 7 days a week, 365 days a year to treat adults and children.

 In a statement to Midwest News, management say they are doing their best to treat everyone who presents at the ED and do so strictly in order of medical priority and apologise for the long wait times.

Patients are asked to wait in the ED alone to help the hospital maintain social distancing. A companion will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances. This is necessary to minimise everybody’s risk of infection and to keep everyone safe.  Patients should wear a face covering/mask when in the ED.