UHG is experiencing extreme pressure on beds today, with dozens of patients waiting on trolleys, and many more unable to be discharged due to a lack of home supports.
The hospital said this morning that surge areas have been activated due to 60 patients on trolleys in the Emergency Department waiting for admission.
On top of this, there are another 42 patients who are classified as Delayed Discharge of Care. This means they are clinically ready to leave the hospital but are awaiting additional support either at home or in community services.
This extreme pressure has resulted in long waiting times for admission and the cancellation of some elective procedures today.
UHG is cautioning people only to come to the ED if it is an emergency, and to consider options such as their GP, the out of hours services, and the Roscommon Injury Unit as their first port of call.
“The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause,” a statement from UHG said.
“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.”
