The Emergency Department at Letterkenny University Hospital is extremely busy with high numbers of people attending the department who need to be admitted to hospital for ongoing treatment.
Yesterday 173 people attended the Emergency Department. As of this morning, there are 13 patients on trolleys in the Emergency Department awaiting admission and all escalation and surge areas are at capacity.
A spokesperson said the hospital is implementing all possible measures to improve patient flow and reduce delays in the Emergency Department. The hospital is 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,” a spokesperson said.
All available beds in the hospital are in use. 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 added.
“Due to these ongoing pressures and the lack of bed capacity, we are reviewing some elective surgeries which may have to be deferred. Urgent and time-sensitive procedures are being prioritised. Patients will contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.
“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 request that people only attend the Emergency Department at the hospital if it is an emergency situation. We ask that people attend their GP or out of hours service in the first instance if at all possible.
“The hospital is committed to treating everyone who presents at the Emergency Department; people who are seriously injured or ill are assessed and treated as a priority and those who do not require urgent care may be waiting longer.”
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