The UL Hospitals Group insists every step is being taken to alleviate the high level of overcrowding at the region’s main hospital this week.
The latest figures from the INMO show 73 patients were left waiting on trolleys at the Dooradoyle facility this morning, 43 of those in the emergency department alone.
It’s the highest figure by far in the country, 30 more than the next busiest facility; University Hospital Galway.
Hospital Management has re-issued an appeal to the public not to attend the ED unless it’s an emergency, as trolley numbers remain high today.
Yesterday there were 76 patients waiting to be admitted across the Dooradoyle facility, according to INMO figures, while today that number has dipped only slightly to 73.
The UL Hospitals Group says it regrets that patients have been facing long waits for beds and is reassuring that every patient in the ED receives expert medical care, and that they’re working to alleviate the situation.
As of yesterday afternoon there were 49 delayed discharges across the group, 31 of those in UHL, which is equivalent of a medium to large sized ward being occupied by patients, who no longer need to be in an acute hospital setting.
They’re warning that this figure is likely to increase, as patients are reviewed and deemed fit for discharge.
People are being urged to visit your GP or GP out of hours service first, or the injury unit at Ennis General, where possible.
Statement From the UL Hospitals Group
The Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick is one of the busiest in the country. We regret that any patient experiences long waiting times for beds to become available, and reassure patients and families that every patient in the ED receives expert medical care, and that we are working to alleviate the situation.
Attendances remain high, and the ED continues to experience additional pressure in accessing transitional care and home care package funding, which has led to an unusually high level of delayed discharges in UHL and across UL Hospitals Group. Delayed discharges are patients deemed fit for discharge from acute care, but whose discharge has been delayed because the ongoing support and care they require is not immediately available.
Average daily presentations at the ED remain high. Last weekend was particularly busy, with 181 attendances on Saturday and 152 presentations on Sunday. On Monday September 9th, there were 231 attendances at the ED.
As of Tuesday afternoon, there were 49 delayed discharges across the group. Of these patients, 31 were in UHL, which is equivalent to a medium to large sized ward being occupied by patients who no longer need to be in an acute hospital setting. This figure is likely to increase as patients are reviewed and deemed fit for discharge.
Bed capacity at UHL remains considerably below that of comparable hospitals in Ireland. 455 inpatient beds is not sufficient for the needs of the MidWest region. Over the past 12 months, bed capacity at UHL has increased by five.
Overcrowding is a whole-health service issue and not an issue strictly for the ED or hospital system. A multi-faceted approach is required to tackle overcrowding, encompassing additional bed capacity, improved patient flow, and the development of integrated care programmes with community services – all of which are being addressed by UL Hospitals Group. We recognise the importance of a group wide focus on management of patient pathways and continue to use our existing bed stock efficiently across all our hospitals.
We continue to work with our colleagues in the community to progress transition of appropriate patients to the community, and to maximise the use of beds available across the sites of the Hospitals Group.
Local Injury Units (LIUs) at Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s Hospitals are open for treatment of broken bones, dislocations, sprains, strains, wounds, scalds and minor burns. In 2018, Injury Unit presentation totalled 32,244 or 31% of all ED attendances, and attendances at the LIUs increased by 6% on 2017 (30,424).
UL Hospitals Group reiterates its appeal for the public to use the Emergency Department for emergencies only, and to consider all care options before attending the ED. People should first attend a GP or an out-of-hours GP service, where they can be referred to an Assessment Unit the following day if required.
The Hospitals Group’s Local Injury Units at Ennis Hospital and Nenagh Hospital are open 8am-8pm every day, and at St John’s Hospital in Limerick from Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm.
However, if you are seriously injured or ill, or are worried that your life is at risk, the ED will assess and treat you as a priority.
