The UL Hospitals Group is urging patients to consider their care options before presenting at the Emergency Department in Limerick.
71 patients were left waiting for beds at University Hospital Limerick this morning, according to the latest INMO figures, 45 of those in the emergency department alone.
The group says its currently managing high volumes of patients, following a busy weekend in the ED, and an increased number of delayed discharges across the Group.
Hospital Management is people to attend their GP in the first instance and to utilise the injury unit at Ennis General Hospital, which is open from 8am to 8pm every day.
Statement From The UL Hospitals Group
The hospital is currently managing high volumes of patients that have arisen due to a busy weekend in the ED, and an increased number of delayed discharges across the Group.
A total of 250 patients attended the ED from 8am on Monday to 8am this morning, which is 30-40 more patients than were presenting at the Department on Mondays during recent weeks.
We apologise 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. We also acknowledge the work of our staff and thank them for their continued dedication and commitment to patient care.
We are urging people to please consider all their care options at this time and not to attend the Emergency Department unless absolutely necessary. It is important that we keep the ED for emergencies only and we encourage the public to do so.
Injury Units in St John’s, Ennis and Nenagh hospitals are open for appropriate injuries.
Injury Units treat broken bones, dislocations, sprains, strains, wounds, scalds and minor burns and save long waiting times. Injury Units are open in Ennis and Nenagh Hospitals from 8am to 8pm every day 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.
