Clare patients are being urged to consider going to the local injury unit in Ennis, instead of the Emergency Department of University Hospital Limerick, as it is very busy today.
The hospital says it’s dealing with high numbers of patients with complex care needs.
It is also apologising to patients and their families for long waits.
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While it is reminding people that Local Injury Units, including that in Ennis, are open today, officials are also stressing that the ED will treat patients as a priority if they are seriously injured or if their lives may be at risk.
The HSE’s own statistics showed there were 50 patients awaiting admission this morning, and that 32 of them had been waiting at least nine hours.
However if seriously injured or ill or you are worried your life is at risk the staff in the ED will assess and treat you as a priority.
The hospitals group has issued the following statement:
Public Urged To Consider All Care Options As High Volumes Presenting to ED in UHL
UL Hospitals Group is appealing to members of the public to consider all their care options before presenting to the Emergency Department at UHL.
The hospital is currently managing high volumes of patients including significant volumes of frail elderly patients with chronic conditions and complex care needs.
UL Hospitals apologises for any inconvenience caused to patients or their loved ones who have experienced long wait times in the ED at UHL, and we would like to reassure patients and their families that we are working to alleviate the situation.
Members of the public are urged to consider all their care options at this time and not to attend the Emergency Department unless necessary. Injury Units in St John’s, Ennis and Nenagh hospitals are open for appropriate injuries. Injury Units are open in Ennis and Nenagh Hospitals from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Sunday and 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday at St. John’s Hospital.
Others 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 the following day 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.
