Mayo Councillor demands answers as patient waits nearly two days for broken leg operation in MUH

Independent Mayo County Councillor Harry Barrett has called on Mayo University Hospital management to make an immediate public statement after a constituent with a badly broken leg has spent almost two days waiting for surgery because of staffing shortages in operating theatres.

Councillor Barrett said: "My constituent suffered a serious fall on Croagh Patrick on Tuesday and broke his tibia in two places. He arrived at the Emergency Department at 2.50 p.m. that afternoon. He did not get a bed until 6.30 p.m. on Wednesday and, as of today, he remains on a bed in a hospital corridor waiting for an operation that still cannot be guaranteed.

"I am told this delay is due to a shortage of theatre nursing staff. This is now a four-day staffing crisis. The most worrying aspect is that surgeons are available but cannot carry out operations because there are not enough nurses to staff the operating theatres. That is simply not acceptable."

Councillor Barrett said the situation raises serious concerns for patient safety and for everyone who may require emergency surgery in Mayo over the coming days.

"Nobody expects miracles from our frontline healthcare staff, who are working under enormous pressure, but people are entitled to expect that when they suffer a serious injury, they will receive surgery without having to wait days in pain. Leaving patients in corridors while operations are delayed because theatres cannot be staffed is a dangerous situation."

Councillor Barrett is calling on hospital management to immediately clarify the extent of the staffing crisis, explain what emergency measures are being taken to restore theatre capacity and reassure the public that emergency surgical services can continue safely.

He is also calling on Mayo's Oireachtas members to intervene directly with the Minister for Health to ensure whatever additional resources are required are provided without delay. "This is no longer just about one patient. It is about every person in Mayo who may need emergency surgery. The people of this county deserve clear answers and immediate action."