Update given on extension of Mayo University Hospital’s Emergency Department
An update has been provided on the long-awaited extension of the Emergency Department (ED) at Mayo University Hospital (MUH).
At the latest meeting of the Regional Health Forum West, Mayo Councillor Michael Kilcoyne asked for an up-to-date position on the extension.
In response, Mary Warde, Integrated Health Area Manager for Mayo, confirmed that the first phase of enabling works has been completed, with the second phase now underway.
The second phase involves preparations for the construction of the ambulatory ED modular building. All ground works are completed, and the second phase is due to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The building is expected to be operational by the end of 2025, or in the first quarter of 2026.
Cllr Kilcoyne also asked when the plans for the extension at MUH were first drafted, what stages remained before construction could begin, and requested an expected completion date from the board.
Ms Warde replied, saying that planning permission was first granted for the ED and Acute Medical Admissions Unit project on 11 March 2024.
She added that the detailed design has been finalised and tender documentation is being prepared for the appointment of a main contractor.
Construction of the main building extension works is expected to start at the end of the first quarter of 2026, pending the completion of all tenders and approvals.
Ms Warde added that the completion date would be updated following the appointment of the main contractor on receipt of the contract programme.
Responding to the update, Cllr Kilcoyne acknowledged that the board could only provide him with the updates on the extension as they are, but voiced frustration over the delays.
He stated the extension is urgently needed, saying the long process only results in “trollies continuing to build all the time” in the hospital.
“I accept that you are doing your best, I accept what you are saying, but I’m not happy,” he said.
Meanwhile, ED staff at MUH have voiced their concerns today regarding ongoing staffing issues.
Earlier, it was reported that the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) had initiated a ballot for industrial action.
The union has criticised the HSE for not implementing the Safe Staffing Framework, and is calling for additional positions to be added in the ED.
The ballot for industrial action is open to members in Emergency Department A, Emergency Department B, the Medical Assessment Unit, and the Escalation Team.
Stories of understaffing, growing risks to patient safety, and ongoing management issues at MUH have been reported in recent weeks, adding to concerns over capacity and delays in the delivery of the new extension.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.