University Hospital Galway is dealing with heavy overcrowding today after very high numbers of people coming to the emergency department over the weekend.
At the weekend 401 patients (196 Saturday and 205 Sunday), attended the Emergency Department. As of this morning, there are a total of 37 patients on trollies in ED and at ward level.
There are also significant additional surge beds in use due to the increased activity, which is impacting capacity.
UHG is asking all visitors to the hospital to use hand gel regularly to combat the increased rates of respiratory illness in the community at this time of year and protect patients.
If you have a cough, cold, sore throat or high temperature please do not visit a patient in the hospital. Please postpone your visit until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have cleared.
Keeping up to date with your vaccines is the most important thing you can do to avoid serious illness from flu and COVID-19. Find your nearest clinic here.
The hospital is implementing all possible measures to improve patient flow and reduce delays in the Emergency Department and 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.
All available beds in the hospital are in use, with patients facing long waiting times to be admitted from the Emergency Department to a bed on a ward.
