by Louise Doyle
A NOROVIRUS outbreak is affecting one of three wards in Letterkenny University Hospital currently in outbreak, while large numbers attending the emergency department and bed capacity strain has prompted some elective procedures to be postponed.
Yesterday afternoon there were 66 patients in the Emergency Department with 18 patients waiting to be admitted.
The high numbers resulted in the HSE issuing a statement advising the public that the emergency department was “extremely busy”, and warned that patients who attend the ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times.
On Tuesday, the hospital saw even greater numbers, when 173 people attended the emergency department.
“There are currently three wards in outbreak,” the statement said.
“Where a ward is affected by Covid-19 and Norovirus, visiting is limited and all visits must be pre-arranged by the family members nominated visitor, who should contact the relevant ward or unit in advance.”
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.
“Due to the pressures on the site and the lack of bed capacity, the hospital is postponing some elective procedures. Urgent, time sensitive cases are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.
“There is currently one ward in which there is a Norovirus outbreak. Visiting is restricted and only permitted in special cases and only if agreed in advance with the ward manager.
“As always, people who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised.”
The hospital acknowledged the delays are “very difficult for patients and their families” and apologised for the inconvenience and distress caused.
“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.
“We continue to 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.”
People are encouraged to check the HSE website for useful advice on common illnesses such as colds, coughs, flu, earache and sore throats.
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