Mayo University Hospital continues to be significantly impacted by COVID-19 and high numbers of people attending the Emergency Department. There were 80 patients with Covid-19 in the hospital at 8am today.
In a statement this afternoon, the Saolta University Health Care Group said: "This is having a significant impact on bed capacity and as a result patients are currently experiencing significant delays. This morning there were 30 patients waiting on trolleys for a bed to become available on a ward. The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.
"Every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds become available for patients who need to be admitted, at the earliest opportunity.
"The hospital has postponed non-urgent inpatient and day case elective procedures due to a lack of bed capacity and prioritising urgent, time sensitive cases. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed. The situation is being kept under review.
"Outpatient appointments and ambulatory procedures are proceeding as usual and people should come to their appointments unless advised otherwise. However, anyone who has symptoms of Covid-19 or is a contact of someone with Covid-19 should not come to their appointment and should reschedule by contacting the number on their appointment letter.
"Given the volume of patients attending the Emergency Department, the hospital is asking the public to contact their GP during normal surgery hours or GP out of hours service in the first instance if their health problem is not urgent.
"In addition, the Injury Unit in Roscommon University Hospital is open from 8am to 8pm every day to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over five years of age."
Due to the number of patients with COVID-19 being treated at Mayo University Hospital, access for visitors remains restricted. This measure is to enhance patient safety and prevent ward outbreaks.
Visiting will continue to be facilitated on compassionate grounds. To arrange a visit on compassionate grounds, please contact the ward manager in advance as per normal process.
The nominated support person/visitor must complete a Covid-19 screening checklist and follow the public health guidance, including wearing a FFP2 surgical face mask (when requested ) or surgical face mask and performing good hand hygiene regularly. There are separate arrangements in place for access to the maternity department for nominated support partners, in line with national guidance.
