The HSE is warning that patients presenting at Emergency Departments with non-urgent injuries may face longer waits this Easter Bank Holiday weekend.
It comes as University Hospital Limerick has been experiencing extremely high numbers of attendances this week, with 127 admitted patients on trolleys today, according to INMO figures.
The HSE is asking people to consider all of their care options this Easter Bank Holiday weekend including their GPs, pharmacists, injury units, and GP out of hours services, before presenting at emergency Departments.
It comes as hospitals across the country continue to be extremely busy, with emergency departments in particular continuing to see significantly increased numbers of patients attending and being admitted.
The Midwest is the worst affected, with the latest INMO figures revealing that 127 admitted patients were waiting for beds this morning at University Hospital Limerick, down from 131 yesterday.
The HSE says all patients who present to EDs will be seen and treated, with the sickest and most urgent patients being prioritised.
It’s urging any patient requiring emergency hospital treatment not to delay in attending the Emergency Department, or dialing 999 or 112 in an emergency, but it’s also requesting that people only use these services when it’s urgent.
The HSE has acknowledged that patients presenting with non-urgent injuries may face longer waiting times, though it says staff continue to work hard across hospital and community services to minimise waits, particularly for those aged over 75.
