University Hospital Galway has warned that its Emergency Department is extremely busy today (Tuesday ) with a high number of people awaiting admission for further treatment, and some elective procedures being postponed due to the pressure on beds.
A total of 286 people attended the Emergency Department yesterday, according to figures released by the hospital. As of this morning, there are a total of 34 patients on trollies at ward level, and all available surge areas are in use.
"We are sorry that any patient experiences long wait times in the ED, and we are doing everything we can to optimise the flow of patients through the hospital," UHG said in a statement this morning.
The hospital is implementing measures to improve patient flow and reduce delays in the Emergency Department, and is asking people 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. However, the hospital has warned that patients who do not require urgent care may experience longer waiting times.
All available beds in the hospital are currently in use, with patients facing long waiting times to be admitted from the Emergency Department to 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.
"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 being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.
"The hospital 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."
People are being asked to attend their GP or out of hours service in the first instance if at all possible.
"The hospital is committed to treating everyone who presents at the Emergency Department," the statement continued. "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.
"All visitors to the hospital will be required to practise good hand hygiene and use hand gel regularly, face masks are available for use throughout the hospital."
People are also asked to check the HSE website for useful advice on common illnesses such as colds, coughs, flu, earache and sore throats and keeping well.
