LETTERKENNY University Hospital is again reporting that its Emergency Department (ED) is under significant pressure today (Saturday).
The hospital’s statement comes at the end of a particularly busy week at ED.
The hospital has revealed that between Monday and Friday this week 940 people attended the Emergency Department.
Throughout the week, 395 patients were admitted to the hospital for acute and emergency care, ongoing care and treatment of chronic illnesses.
As a result of bed capacity challenges the hospital is advising that patients who attend ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times.
A hospital spokesperson said: “As always, people who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised.
“The high number of people attending who need to be admitted for ongoing treatment means that there is pressure on bed availability. This is resulting in significant delays being experienced by patients in the Emergency Department who are waiting for a bed to become available on a ward.
“We acknowledge that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologise for the inconvenience and distress caused.
“We are doing everything we can to improve patient flow and reduce the length of time people are waiting to be admitted to a bed.
“We are asking the public to consider all available healthcare options before attending.
“Everyone who presents will be treated, with priority given to those who are seriously ill or injured. Patients who do not require urgent care unfortunately may experience longer waiting times.
“We continue to request that people only attend the Emergency Department at the hospital if it is an emergency situation. For non-urgent conditions please attend your GP in the first instance and please consider all care options.”