University Hospital Galway is advising of long wait times in the Emergency Department (ED ) ahead of the bank holiday weekend.
The ED has been extremely busy over the past few days and further high attendances are expected over the bank holiday weekend.
As of this morning (Wednesday ) there are 97 patients in the Emergency Department with 31 patients on trolleys awaiting admission to an inpatient bed. Yesterday, 305 people attended at the Emergency Department.
“We are doing everything we can to improve the flow of patients through the ED and reduce delays for our patients, and would ask the public to consider all healthcare options before attending the ED,” said Maria Molloy, Deputy Hospital Manager.
“We are committed to treating everyone who presents at the Emergency Department; people who are seriously injured or ill are assessed and treated as a priority and those who do not require urgent care unfortunately may be waiting longer.”
The hospital is postponing some elective procedures due to the pressures on the site and the lack of bed capacity. Urgent, time sensitive cases are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.
All available beds in the hospital are in use. Patients are currently facing long waiting times to be admitted from the Emergency Department to a bed on a ward. Every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds will become available for patients who need to be admitted, at the earliest opportunity, the hospital said in a statement.
“If you or your family become unwell please consider your local pharmacy, GP, out of hours GP in the first instance,” the statement continued. “Roscommon injury unit is open from 8am to 8pm every day and can treat a wide range of breaks, sprains, burns and minor wounds.
“The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.
“As always, people who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised.
“All visitors to the hospital will be required to practice good hand hygiene and use hand gel regularly, face masks are available for use throughout the hospital.”
People should check the HSE website for useful advice on common illnesses such as colds, coughs, flu, earache and sore throats and keeping well.
The HSE also recommends keeping up to date with your vaccines as the most important thing you can do to avoid serious illness from flu and COVID-19.
