Midwest News has learnt that the Medical Assessment Unit at Mayo General Hospital is to close from next Monday, for an indefinite period.

Castlebar Independent Councillor Michael Kilcoyne says he understands staff have been informed of the decision today, and the Unit is being closed due to a shortage of nurses.

The Medical Assessment Unit is used to assess patients referred to the Mayo General Hospital by their GP, and also accommodates overspill when the Emergency Department is full – as was the case earlier this week.

The HSE has not yet confirmed or denied councillor Kilcoyne’s claims, but he says the closure of the Medical Assessment Unit will mean longer waiting times for those attending A & E….