Visiting restrictions have been put in place at University Hospital Galway today (Tuesday ) in response to increased pressure on several wards, including the hospital's Emergency Department.
UHG is currently under significant pressure with high attendances in the ED; the hospital also is treating multiple patients with flu, and is managing a Norovirus outbreak.
These pressures are impacting on bed availability, however the hospital has said it is doing everything possible to optimise the flow of patients. Every available bed is in use and staff are focusing on safe and appropriate discharge of patients to minimise any delays for patients who need to be admitted to a bed.
In total, 379 people attended the ED over the weekend, with 271 attending on Monday. As of this morning, there were 27 patients on trolleys. Additional surge areas are also in use, impacting on elective procedures.
The hospital is currently managing outbreaks of the winter vomiting bug (Norovirus ) with one ward closed and other areas under investigation.
In addition, the hospital is treating 29 patients with flu and 13 patients with RSV.
There is ongoing pressure on bed availability, and the hospital said in a statement that it regrets that patients are currently experiencing long waiting times to be admitted from the ED to an acute bed in the hospital.
"We would like to remind the public that we encourage them to attend the Emergency Department only in the case of real emergencies," the statement read. "If your health problem is not an emergency you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours, or the Westdoc GP out of hours service, in the first instance.
Visiting restrictions
"To help protect vulnerable patients and staff we are appealing to the public to comply with the current visiting restrictions that are in place at the hospital."
Visiting restrictions will see UHG facilitating one visitor per inpatient each day. Where a ward is managing an outbreak, visiting will be limited to compassionate grounds only.
Visitors are requested to cooperate with hospital staff who are ensuring the restrictions are adhered to. Visitors will also be required to use the hand gels supplied as they enter and leave the hospital. Infection control procedures are in place on the wards, and will remain until further notice.
People are also being asked to stay away from the hospital if they have Norovirus symptoms, such as diarrhoea and/or vomiting, or symptoms associated with flu or RSV such as a sore throat, cough, temperature or shortness of breath, to help keep vulnerable patients safe.
"These measures are vital to avoid spreading the virus to patients, visitors and staff and the hospital would like to thank the public for their co-operation at this time," the statement added.
Those visiting the hospital are advised to minimise the risk of catching an infection by ensuring the following:
If you have any symptoms (diarrhoea/vomiting ), or flu like symptoms, including a high temperature, aches and pains, headache, sore throat or cough, you must postpone your visit until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have cleared.
Clean your hands with soap and water after using the toilet, and use the hand santizer provided.
Do not use patient toilets on the wards or en suites.
These restrictions are temporary and subject to change based on daily activity levels so check HSE.ie for information about visiting in your local hospital.
Anyone with breathing difficulties or chest pain should attend the emergency department for treatment or call 112/999 in an emergency, and patients with non-life-threatening conditions should seek healthcare in the community. As the sickest patients are treated first, people who attend the ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times.
The HSE is urging every eligible person to get vaccinated against flu and COVID as soon as possible, both the public and healthcare staff. The vaccines can stop infection, severe illness and prevent transmission to vulnerable people.
Visit hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist to get a vaccine.
