The level of overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick has eased this evening after hitting the highest ever level of any hospital in Ireland.
66 people were waiting for beds this morning but in a statement to Clare FM, UL Hospitals Group says that number has now been reduced.
University Hospital Limerick has had the worst record for overcrowding in recent weeks but today it recorded the highest ever level of any hospital in the country.
66 patients were waiting for beds this morning, but that number has been reduced to 40 this evening.
In a statement to Clare FM, UL Hospitals Group says over 5,000 patients have been attending the Emergency Department each month since March, while 15 beds at St. John's are closed as recruitment to fill vacant nursing posts there continues.
Additional measures have been put in place from today to relieve stress on the Dooradoyle facility, including the extension of opening hours at the hospital's Medical Assessment Unit, to exclusively accomodate patients presenting at the ED.
Patients are also being transferred away from Dooradoyle to other hosptials in the region, including Ennis.
Patients are also being reminded that the Medical Assessment Unit in Ennis is open from 8am to 6pm on weekdays and 10am to 6pm at the weekend.
