Mixed Results For UL Hospitals Group In Patient Survey

UHL Corridor

Over a quarter of patients who have taken part in a nationwide survey say they waited over 24 hours in the Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick.

The figure is more than twice the national average, but the survey was conducted prior to the opening of the new ED.

Clare FM’s Gavin Grace reports.

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This finding about the ED at University Hospital Limerick is among hundreds of results contained in the national patient survey, results of which have been published today.

27% of patients in the UL hospital group reported waiting at least 24 hours in the Emergency Department, compared with 8% in the Saolta Hospital group that covers the West and NorthWest.

Here, only one patient in six was seen within the national target time of six hours, and significant numbers of people said they were not treated with respect and dignity, nor were they given privacy when being examined or treated.

Over 1,000 people took part in the survey in the MidWest, though it was carried out prior to the opening of the new ED at Dooradoyle.

Elsewhere, Ennis General was deemed as being ‘above averge.’

Over half of patients there said their experience was very good, and there was a high level of confidence and trust reported in the staff.

The head of the UL Hospitals Group Colette Cowan says they now have to demonstrate that they have listened to patients, and implement improvements.

A range of actions to do this have been outlined.

Meanhwhile, nurses are reporting a spike in trolley numbers in the MidWest and throughout the country.

There are 50 patients on trolleys at University Hospital Limerick, including 41 in the Emergency Department.