THE public is this evening being advised of long waiting times at the Emergency Department of Letterkenny University Hospital.
In a statement, Saolta say the Emergency Department is extremely busy today.
There are currently 105 patients in the Emergency Department and many of these patients are acutely unwell.
“As always, we treat our sickest patients first, which means that patients who attend the ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times,” a spokesperson said.
Saolta say all available beds in the hospital are in use but regrettably patients are facing long waiting times to be admitted from the Emergency Department to a bed on a ward.
“Every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds will become available for patients who need to be admitted, at the earliest opportunity,” the spokesperson said.
“The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.
“We continue to request that people consider other options for non-emergency care such as Out of Hours GP and pharmacies before attending an ED.
“For mild illness or non-urgent conditions there are a number of treatment options open to you depending on your illness – being prepared and knowing where to go will mean that you will get treated more quickly and will ease pressures on the healthcare system.
“local out of hours GP service and pharmacies are open this weekend for expert advice and treatment.”
People are asked to check the HSE website for useful advice on common illnesses such as colds, coughs, flu, earache and sore throats and keeping well.
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