Mayo University Hospital, located in Castlebar, County Mayo, is part of the Saolta University Health Care Group. The hospital offers a wide range of acute and specialist services, providing care to the West and North West regions of Ireland.

The hospital has a strong commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care and is supported by a diverse team of clinical and non-clinical departments. This includes a well-regarded Laboratory Directorate with a history of accreditation in various modalities. The hospital continuously invests in state-of-the-art medical equipment and technologies, such as the recent introduction of a high-specification videofluoroscopy service to improve diagnostic outcomes for patients with swallowing difficulties.

Mayo University Hospital also emphasizes the importance of patient engagement and feedback. The Patient Advocacy Liaison Service (PALS) is available to support patients, carers, and families, ensuring their concerns are addressed and their experiences are improved. The hospital encourages feedback through various channels to foster continuous improvement and maintain high standards of care.

Mayo University Hospital (MUH) in Castlebar, County Mayo, offers a wide range of specialized services across multiple medical disciplines. Here are some of the key specialized services provided:

1. Cardiac Care: MUH has a dedicated Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) with 12 monitored specialist cardiology beds. This unit enhances the hospital's capacity to provide critical cardiac care, including telemetry technology for remote monitoring​​.

2. Endoscopy Services: The hospital’s endoscopy department offers various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including gastroscopy, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and bronchoscopy. These services are available through the Day Services Unit, which has three procedure rooms and six recovery beds​​.

3. Stroke Services: MUH provides comprehensive stroke care, including a multidisciplinary approach to treatment and rehabilitation. They recently launched a resource book, "My Stroke Journey," for stroke patients and their families, emphasizing the hospital's commitment to stroke care and patient education​​.

4. Oncology and Haematology: The hospital offers specialized oncology and haematology services, including systemic anti-cancer therapy, rapid access prostate clinics, and symptomatic breast unit services. They also have facilities for videofluoroscopy to assist in the diagnosis and management of swallowing disorders​​​​.

5. Maternity and Lactation Services: MUH supports maternity care with a Clinical Midwife Specialist in Lactation, providing expert antenatal and postnatal breastfeeding support and education. This service aims to enhance the care and support provided to new mothers and their babies​​.

Mayo University Hospital (MUH) has received positive feedback and recognition for its quality of care and patient safety initiatives. The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) conducted an unannounced inspection in June 2023, assessing the emergency department, orthopaedic ward, and St John’s ward. The hospital was found to be compliant in several areas and has made significant improvements in patient safety and care standards​​.

MUH has implemented numerous initiatives to enhance patient care, such as the establishment of a dedicated Cardiac Care Unit, which has increased monitored bed capacity by 150%. This unit provides specialized care for cardiac patients and has improved the efficiency of cardiac services​​. Additionally, MUH has invested in advanced diagnostic technology, like the videofluoroscopy equipment, to improve patient outcomes​​.

The hospital also focuses on patient engagement and feedback through its Quality and Patient Safety (QPS) team. This team works to ensure the delivery of safe and effective person-centered care and actively seeks feedback to continuously improve services​​.

Overall, Mayo University Hospital is committed to maintaining high standards of healthcare and has made significant strides in improving patient care and safety.

Mayo University Hospital (MUH) has a clear strategic direction and purpose, focusing on quality patient care, integration with primary care, and innovation in healthcare delivery. The hospital is dedicated to improving patient and staff engagement through various initiatives, supported by the national quality improvement department and collaborations with international bodies such as the Canadian accreditation association.

MUH is leading efforts to integrate care across different healthcare settings, including social, primary, and acute care, exemplified by the development of a specialist geriatric day hospital. This integration aims to provide seamless care and improve patient outcomes by leveraging the strengths of each care setting.

The hospital has also made significant strides in enhancing its capacity and facilities. Recent plans include the addition of a 50-bed unit to address growing patient needs, facilitated by a new medical hub adjacent to the existing primary care center. This hub will house diagnostics and chronic disease management staff, further easing pressure on the hospital's resources​​.

MUH's commitment to quality care is evident in its ongoing projects and initiatives, such as the establishment of a dedicated Cardiac Care Unit (CCU), which has significantly increased the hospital's capacity for cardiac patient care. This unit allows for specialized, high-quality care for cardiac patients and enhances the hospital's ability to manage complex cases effectively​​.

Overall, Mayo University Hospital's strategic direction is centered on providing high-quality, patient-centered care, enhancing integration across healthcare services, and continuously improving through innovative practices and infrastructure development.

Mayo University Hospital has received several awards and recognitions, reflecting its commitment to excellence in healthcare and patient services. Notable accolades include:

1. Saolta University Health Care Group Staff Recognition Awards:

   • Outstanding Employee Award (2019): Kay Moran from the Human Resources Department was recognized for her dedication and compassionate dealings. Additionally, the Colorectal Team in the Surgical Department was shortlisted for the "Quality Improvement and Patient Experience Award" for their work on Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) for colorectal patients​​.
   • Research Award (2015): Jointly awarded to the Mayo Medical Academy and the Atlantic Diabetes in Pregnancy Service at Galway University Hospitals for their research published in The Journal of the American College of Surgeons​.
   • Education and Training Award (2017): Surgical teachers from Mayo Medical Academy were recognized for their contributions to medical education​​.

2. Preceptor Recognition Awards:

   • Nursing Mentors: Recognized on International Day of the Nurse for their contributions to mentoring new colleagues, particularly for supporting 78 overseas nurses and midwives through an adaptation and preceptorship program since 2022​​.

These recognitions highlight Mayo University Hospital's dedication to improving patient care, fostering innovation in medical practices, and supporting the professional development of its staff.