Major recruitment announcement for Mayo Minor Injuries Unit
A major boost for healthcare services in North Mayo has been confirmed, with Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill announcing the hiring of 25 whole-time equivalent (WTE) staff for the new Minor Injuries Unit at Ballina District Hospital.
Recruitment is set to begin next week, and the unit is expected to open in early 2026.
Minister Carroll MacNeill visited Ballina District Hospital today, where she met staff to review and discuss local service provision.
The Minor Injuries Unit will be equipped to treat fractures, sprains, cuts, burns, minor head injuries and other non-life threatening conditions.
Minister of State Alan Dillon welcomed the immediate recruitment drive, saying it will deliver a significant boost to local healthcare services. He said the new unit is expected to divert up to 8,000 cases a year away from the ED at MUH, reduce waiting times for patients across the region, and bring strengthened services and new investment to Ballina District Hospital.
Minister Dara Calleary welcomed the announcement and described it as a “huge development” for Ballina and the wider North Mayo area.
He said the unit will reduce pressure on the emergency department at Mayo University Hospital, while also drawing more people into Ballina from North Mayo and South Sligo.
“This is something I have worked long and hard on with the hospital, the HSE, Minister MacNeill and former Minister Stephen Donnelly,” Minister Calleary said, “It is now expected that the 25 staff will be recruited in the coming week and the unit will be open and functioning in early 2026.”
Funding for the project was secured under Budget 2025 by former Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly.
Minister Calleary also paid tribute to Director of Nursing Fidelma Gallagher and her team, describing the new service as an “ambitious development” that is exciting for both the hospital and the town.
Minister Carroll MacNeill’s schedule in Mayo today also includes a visit to Mayo University Hospital, the launch of The Sunflower Children’s Hospice with the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, and the launch of Mayo Cancer Connect’s Strategic Plan at Rock Rose House.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.