HSE Mid West is appealing to people with non-urgent health needs to seek support through alternative care options before presenting at the Emergency Department.
It comes as University Hospital Limerick is experiencing a significant increase in attendances.
The level of overcrowding has spiralled at the region’s main hospital once again, with the INMO reporting 125 admitted patients on trolleys this morning.
This is despite the opening of a new 96-bed block at the Dooradoyle facility last year.
The ED at UHL was the busiest in the country last year, with a record 95,373 people attending, representing an annual increase in presentations of 10%, and HSE Mid West says that pattern of high attendances has continued into 2026.
With approximately half these patients arriving without GP referral, hospital management is urging people to first use the available alternatives where possible.
These include local pharmacies and family doctors, as well as walk-in Injury Units and GP-referral Medical Assessment Units in Ennis, St John’s and Nenagh Hospitals for non-life-threatening conditions and injuries.
HSE Mid West is apologising to every patient who has experienced long waits for a bed in UHL and says staff are doing everything to provide the best possible care and continue to monitor the situation closely.
Visiting restrictions also remain in place at UHL, Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s Hospital, as well as Croom Orthopaedic Hospital. Only one visitor per person will be admitted and only during hospital visiting times.
Visitors are asked to wear a face mask and not visit the hospitals if you have any symptoms of cold, flu, COVID-19 or any viral illness.
