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HSE Warns Of Long Wait Times For Those Attending EDs This Weekend

The HSE is warning of long waiting times for people who attend emergency departments this weekend.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation yesterday said overcrowding at hospitals around the country is currently “out of control.”

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The HSE says yesterday morning the number of people on trolleys in Emergency Departments across the country had increased by 30% compared to the same day last year.

 

University Hospital Limerick was busiest in the country, with 116 admitted patients waiting for beds; the second highest number on record of any hospital in the country.

That was only exceeded on one day in April last year, when 126 patients were on trolleys at the Dooradoyle facility.

The HSE says the current situation is as a result of increased ED attendances by patients, many whom are older and frailer, while respiratory illnesses are still circulating.

Over the St.Patrick’s Bank Holiday weekend, which is always one of the busiest times of year for hospitals, the HSE are encouraging the public to attend hospitals *only when it’s an emergency.

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