There’s been a slight dip in the level of overcrowding at the region’s main hospital, after trolley numbers spiralled yesterday.
But University Hospital Limerick is still experiencing high volumes of patients attending, with 64 patients left waiting for beds there this morning, according to the latest INMO figures, 44 of those in the Emergency Department.
The overall figure is 20 more than the next busiest facility in the country.
The UL Hospitals Group is urging patients to consider all their care options before attending the ED, to go to their GP or GP our of hours service in the first instance and to utilise the Local Injuries Unit at Ennis General Hospital.
Statement from UL Hospitals Group
The Emergency Department (ED) at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) has been experiencing higher levels of attendance than normal than since the weekend (23rd and 24th of February) and is currently extremely busy.
UL Hospitals Group is appealing to members of the public to please consider all their care options before presenting to the ED at UHL.
Members of the public with a less serious illness can be treated by their GP or out of hours GP service where their GP can refer them to an Assessment Unit if required.
However, if you are seriously injured or ill or are worried your life is at risk the ED will assess and treat you as a priority.
Our Injury Units in Ennis, Nenagh and St. John’s Hospitals are open from 8am to 8pm, and St John’s is open from 8am to 6pm. Injury Units are for the treatment of broken bones, dislocations, sprains strains, wounds, scalds and minor burns. More information on our Injury Units is available here.
We apologise to any patients who are experiencing long waits and we appreciate your co-operation while we prioritise treatment of the sickest patients attending our hospital.
