University Hospital Galway has postponed elective surgeries for the fifth time in six months, the Advertiser can reveal.
On Monday, hospital management issued a statement confirming that more than 400 people attended the Emergency Department last weekend, with large numbers requiring overnight admissions.
Latest official figures show 23 patients on trollies within the ED and a total of 20 patients on trollies at ward level. All available surge areas across the regional acute hospital were in use by Monday, with 45 patients awaiting beds in day wards and the Acute medical Unit (AMU ).
Unofficial figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO ) a day later, on Tuesday, recorded 40 patients on trollies in the ED, and 35 on wards. By Wednesday, this was down to 31 and 29 respectively.
“The HSE needs to be upfront with the public and its workforce this week and explain what measures it is taking to curb the worst of this entirely predictable overcrowding crisis, particularly in the West, North-West, Mid-West and South-West,” said INMO General Secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha.
Elective procedures in Galway were postponed twice last June due to overcrowding, and again in September and in November.
Hospital managers say they are implementing all possible measures to improve patient flow and reduce delays in the Galway city ED, and are asking the public to consider all available healthcare options before attending this week.
“Everyone who presents will be treated, with priority given to those who are seriously ill or injured. Patients who do not require urgent care unfortunately may experience longer waiting times,” they say.
“All available beds in the hospital are in use. Patients are 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 has confirmed is is again postponing some elective procedures this month. Urgent and time-sensitive procedures are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is postponed.
The hospital said it acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.
“We request that people only attend the Emergency Department at the hospital if it is an emergency situation. We ask that people attend their GP or out-of-hours service in the first instance if at all possible. The Roscommon Injury Unit is also open from 8am to 8pm daily, to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over the age of five.”
