THERE were thirteen wards dealing with Covid-19 outbreaks at Letterkenny University Hospital yesterday as more elective procedures were postponed due to a lack of bed capacity.
There were 54 patients with the virus being treated at the facility last night with one Covid-19 patient in the Intensive Care Unit. Due to the high number of cases access for visitors remains restricted with visiting on compassionate grounds being facilitated.
“Letterkenny University Hospital continues to be significantly impacted by Covid-19 and high numbers of people attending the Emergency Department,” a spokesperson for Saolta told the Donegal News yesterday.
“This is having a significant impact on bed capacity and as a result patients are currently experiencing significant delays waiting for a bed to become available on a ward. The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.
“Every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds become available for patients who need to be admitted, at the earliest opportunity.”
In respect to elective procedures urgent, time sensitive cases are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed. All outpatient appointments, ambulatory cases and scopes are proceeding.
Those wishing to visit a patient on compassionate grounds is asked to contact the ward manager in advance as per normal process.
“There are separate arrangements in place for access to the maternity department for nominated support partners, in line with national guidance,” the spokesperson said.
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