University Hospital Galway has warned of long wait times for admissions and the postponement of some elective procedures this week due to high numbers of patients attending the hospital's Emergency Department.
The Emergency Department is extremely busy this week, with high numbers of people attending the department who need to be admitted to hospital for ongoing treatment.
A total of 323 people attended the Emergency Department yesterday (Monday ). As of this morning, there are 29 patients on trolleys in the Emergency Department, 22 patients on ward trolleys, and an additional 38 patients in surge areas.
The hospital is implementing all possible measures to improve patient flow and reduce delays in the Emergency Department and is asking the public to consider all available healthcare options before attending. Everyone who presents will be treated, with priority given to those who are seriously ill or injured. Patients who do not require urgent care may experience longer waiting times.
All available beds in the hospital are in use, and patients are currently facing long waiting times to be admitted from the Emergency Department to a bed on a ward.
The hospital has said in a statement today that 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.
Due to these ongoing pressures and the lack of bed capacity, the hospital is postponing some elective procedures. Urgent and time-sensitive procedures are being prioritised. Patients are also being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.
The hospital has acknowledged that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families, and has apologised 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," a statement by the hospital read. "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.
"The hospital is 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 may be waiting longer.
"Community pharmacists provide expert advice and over-the-counter treatments for a wide range of minor illnesses. In addition to this expert advice, a new service is available which allows pharmacists to supply prescription-only medication without the need to see a GP. The following common conditions can be treated under the Common Conditions Service; allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, cystitis (uncomplicated urinary tract infection ), vaginal thrush."
Information about the scheme is available on the HSE website.
