High volumes of patients presenting at the emergency department as well as the closure of an in-patient ward is behind the high number of people waiting on trolleys at University Hospital Limerick.
48 people were waiting on trolleys at University Hospital Limerick yesterday morning, 26 of those in the emergency department and a further 22 in overflow areas of wards.
In a statement, the UL Hospitals Group says the number of very sick patients presenting to the emergency department has increased over the past number of days.
While the temporary closure of an inpatient ward for refurbishment, to bring it in line with HIQA standards, has reduced the number of beds available for in-patients by 25.
When pressure builds, UL Hospitals Group enacts its escalation plan which includes the transfer of suitable patients to Ennis, Nenagh or St John’s Hospitals or to community care facilities.
The hospital is asking patients to keep the ED for emergencies only and to contact their GP or Out of Hours services in the first instance or visit their Local Injuries Unit in the case of burns or minor injuries.
