Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
STATEMENT: ALARMING SITUATION AT CASTLEBAR HOSPITAL
Earlier this month Martina Burke attempted to enquire at Mayo University Hospital concerning the “life-long” prescription of the laxative Movicol to children under 12 years of age.
While Martina Burke and her daughter were speaking with a doctor on this issue, they were intercepted by a nurse manager who was clearly unhappy with the conversation.
We have an epidemic of young people in this country addicted to gambling and gaming online. Supermarkets are now stocking nappies for young people up to 16 years of age (and even over) who are unwilling to leave their screens while involved in gaming and are experiencing bowel issues as a result.
Doctors and consultants are treating symptoms - and choosing to prescribe long-term medication - rather than address the cause.
We also have serious concerns over elderly patients who are worried about medication prescribed for them by hospital staff.
Since 2020 Mayo University Hospital (MUH) staff have been gagged by General Manager Catherine Donohoe from speaking about “any hospital business” outside the hospital. Local councillors have refused to raise the gagging order at HSE Forum meetings.
Mayo University Hospital and all other HSE hospitals in this country are funded by taxpayers. All actions within these walls should be transparent and open to scrutiny. It is unacceptable that nurses and management would shut down conversation and that patients are made to feel intimidated and worried.
STATEMENT: ALARMING SITUATION AT CASTLEBAR HOSPITAL
Earlier this month Martina Burke attempted to enquire at Mayo University Hospital concerning the “life-long” prescription of the laxative Movicol to children under 12 years of age.
While Martina Burke and her daughter were speaking with a doctor on this issue, they were intercepted by a nurse manager who was clearly unhappy with the conversation.
We have an epidemic of young people in this country addicted to gambling and gaming online. Supermarkets are now stocking nappies for young people up to 16 years of age (and even over) who are unwilling to leave their screens while involved in gaming and are experiencing bowel issues as a result.
Doctors and consultants are treating symptoms - and choosing to prescribe long-term medication - rather than address the cause.
We also have serious concerns over elderly patients who are worried about medication prescribed for them by hospital staff.
Since 2020 Mayo University Hospital (MUH) staff have been gagged by General Manager Catherine Donohoe from speaking about “any hospital business” outside the hospital. Local councillors have refused to raise the gagging order at HSE Forum meetings.
Mayo University Hospital and all other HSE hospitals in this country are funded by taxpayers. All actions within these walls should be transparent and open to scrutiny. It is unacceptable that nurses and management would shut down conversation and that patients are made to feel intimidated and worried.
