University Hospital Limerick remains the most overcrowded in the country today, as extreme levels of overcrowding persist nationally.
The latest figures from the INMO show trolley numbers have dipped from a record-breaking 92 yesterday, but the Dooradoyle facility remains extremely busy, with 75 left waiting for beds there this morning.
Nationally, trolley numbers have equalled yesterday’s figure prompting calls for urgent action.
It’s day two of what’s been described as an extreme overcrowding crisis by the INMO, and nationally trolley numbers have equalled yesterday’s number of 760.
The situation has eased somewhat locally, but University Hospital Limerick is still very busy, with 75 patients left waiting for beds this morning, 40 of those in the emergency department alone.
The INMO says the situation presents a clear danger to patients and staff, and requires immediate political intervention, while the the Irish Hospital Consultants Association has called for a national emergency to be declared.
The Government yesterday promised to open 200 beds by the end of the month to help ease the crisis, while the HSE apologised for the spiralling numbers, saying it’s due to a surge in the number of people presenting with influenza.
But Lahinch GP and IMO GP Committee member, Dr Michael Kelleher insists the flu is not to blame.
Visiting restrictions remain in place today at University Hospital Limerick, as part of efforts to control the spread of the flu virus and people are asked not to attend the ED unless it’s an emergency.
People are urged to visit their GP in the first instance and to utilise the Injury Unit at Ennis General where possible.
Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey has described the situation as disappointing, and he’s calling on management to “step up to the plate”.
Meanwhile, the Midwest Hospital Campaign Group has announced it’s planning major protests outside the region’s hospitals in the coming weeks, over the continuing health crisis.
Ballyvaughan Sinn Féin representative Noeleen Moran, who is a member of the group, says there’s an urgent need to change.
