Independent councillor Micael Kilcoyne has called on the Saolta Hospital Group to address the reasons why the number of coronavirus cases in Mayo is higher than that found in Galway.
“I don't understand why the figures in the county of Mayo are as high as the county next door in Galway which has double the population and which has a city,” Cllr Kilcoyne stated at Monday's meeting of Mayo County Council.
The Castlebar councillor claimed that Mayo University Hospital has the highest volume of staff who have contracted the virus within the Saolta Hospital Group. He said that around 40 Mayo University Hospital staff have contracted Covid-19.
“I understand that the number of cases in Mayo University Hospital amongst the staff is the highest among hospitals in the Saolta Group. That is very concerning and raises serious questions.
“And I think the Saolta Group owe us an explanation as to what the reason is that Mayo, with half the population, has more cases than Galway. There is more to it than meets the eye as far as I am concerned,” said Cllr Kilcoyne.
The Independent councillor also stated that the situation at Mayo University is in contrast to the Sacred Heart Hospital in Castlebar.
“At the same time, there is a hospital in the town here, the Sacred Heart Hospital, where there hasn't been a single case among the patients and the staff,” Cllr Kilcoyne remarked.
He said the coronavirus has sparked fear and anxiety in the county.
“It is a terrible time for people. There is a fear out there within the community. They just don't know what to expect and don't know what each day brings."
