University Hospital Galway is experiencing extreme pressure on bed availability again today due to a high number of people attending the Emergency Department.
On Monday 272 people attended the Emergency Department (ED), resulting in 55 admissions.
As of this morning, there are currently 28 patients in the Emergency Department and a further 20 patients on trolleys at ward level. Additional surge beds have also been opened.
The hospital is advising that patients who attend ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times.
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.
Some elective procedures are being cancelled due to the pressure the hospital is under, with patients being contacted directly.
Urgent and time-sensitive procedures are being prioritised due to these pressures.
“With the bank holiday weekend approaching and the Galway Races taking place this week, there will be higher than usual numbers of people in Galway,” a statement from UHG said.
“Therefore, 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.”
“The Roscommon Injury Unit is also open from 8am to 8pm daily, to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over the age of five.”
