Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe is very overcrowded today, with the hospital warning of pressure on beds and long waiting times.
In a statement to Galway Daily, Saolta said the high number of people admitted for ongoing treatment today is causing pressure at the Emergency Department.
“This is resulting in significant delays being experienced by patients in the Emergency Department who are waiting for a bed to become available on a ward.”
“There are currently a very high number of patients on trolleys in ED awaiting admission to in-patient beds.”
Elective procedures are being postponed due to the pressure at the hospital, and patients affected are being contacted directly.
“All available beds are in use. 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.”
“The hospital acknowledges that these delays and postponements are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.”
The Emergency Department at Portiuncula is prioritising those who are seriously injured or ill, and other people may be waiting longer.
The Hospital is asking people only to come to the ED if it is an emergency, and to attend their GP or out of hours service in the first instance if at all possible.
The Roscommon Injury Unit is also open from 8am to 8pm to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over five years of age.
