University Hospital Galway is continuing to face severe overcrowding in the emergency department. The hospital is asking the public to consider all available healthcare options before attending.
Currently all available beds in the hospital are in use and some elective procedures are being postponed. Patients with affected procedures will be contacted directly.
The hospital stated that everyone who presents will be treated but those without urgent care needs will likely face long wait times.
People are encouraged to attend their GP or out of hours service if 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.
Community pharmacists provide expert advice and over-the-counter treatments for a wide range of minor illnesses. Under the new Common Conditions Service, pharmacists are allowed to supply prescription-only medication without the need to see a GP.
The following common conditions can be treated through this service: allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, cystitis (uncomplicated urinary tract infection ), vaginal thrush.
The hospital is implementing all possible measures to reduce delays in the Emergency Department. Every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home. The hospital apologizes for the distress these delays cause to patients and their families.
