Univeristy Hospital Galway is under extreme pressure today as high numbers at the emergency department, along with COVID and Norovirus cases, are putting pressure on beds.
Yesterday, Wednesday 4 June, 246 people attended at the Emergency Department and there were 57 admissions. There are currently 32 patients in the Emergency Department, with 50 patients waiting to be admitted.
The hospital has advised that it is also currently dealing with COVID-19 and Norovirus cases.
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
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.
“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,” a statement from UHG said.
“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.”
“As always, people who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised.”
