An ultra-modern operating theatre, costing over €10 million, is to remain empty because of staffing problems at the facility.
A total of 68 medical personnel, "left in limbo" by the delays in opening the 33-bed orthopaedic unit at Mayo General Hospital, are now threatening legal action against the Western Health Board over their situation.
The medical staff, which include nurses, physiotherapists, radiographers and secretaries, were angry at learning yesterday that the CEO of the Western Health Board, Dr Síle Ryan, will not approve the issuing of contracts to these staff without the approval of the Department of Health.
The successful candidates had already been told to give notice to their current employers and that they would start work in the orthopaedic unit by July 1st.
"Many, if not all of them, will take legal action against the Health Board," a source said last night. An estimated 1,500 Mayo patients are in need of orthopaedic surgery, such as hip and knee replacements, according to Independent TD, Dr Jerry Cowley.