“A SUBSTANTIAL” number of patients arrived to Letterkenny University Hospital’s Emergency Department on Tuesday, the HSE has said.

In a statement on Tuesday evening, the HSE said 105 patients were waiting in the hospital’s emergency department, with five ambulances queued up outside.

However, we were reliably informed that the number of ambulances waiting was 11.

Responding to our query, a HSE spokesperson said: “The Emergency Department continues to experience significant pressure, with 182 patient presentations recorded yesterday, including a substantial number arriving by ambulance.

“The hospital remains fully committed to providing safe and appropriate care to all who present. However, due to the current high level of activity, patients with non-life-threatening conditions may experience longer than usual waiting times.”

The emergency department remained “extremely busy” yesterday.

“We ask for the public’s continued understanding and cooperation during this period of exceptional demand.”