Limerick hospital issues appeal as 350 use emergency department in 24 hours

UNIVERSITY Hospital Limerick (UHL) bosses have urged the public to consider other alternatives before attending the emergency department (ED).

It comes after 350 people presented at the facility in Dooradoyle in the space of just 24 hours, with a spokesperson for the hospital saying they are now prioritising treatment of "the sickest, most seriously injured and frailest patients".

As a result, they have said that anyone with non life-threatening emergencies is going to experience a long wait.

UHL said half of the 350 patients are arriving in the ED without having been referred by their doctor.

On this basis, they are urging people to look to local pharmacies, family doctors, injury units and medical assessment units before considering the ED.

"When your GP’s surgery is closed, Shannondoc is open from 6pm to 8am, Monday to Friday, and all day on Saturday and Sunday. You can contact Shannondoc on 0818 123 500. If you need urgent care, but don’t require ED attendance, GPs can refer you to a Medical Assessment Unit in Ennis, Nenagh or St John’s Hospitals," the hospital added in a statement.

A walk-in service, injury units are open 8am to 8pm at St John’s Hospital alongside Ennis and Nenagh.

They can treat a range of injuries that don’t need hospitalisation, such as broken bones, dislocations, and minor burns. There is a typical patient experience time of around two hours.

"The Emergency Department is for patients with life-threatening emergencies. Anyone with less urgent illnesses is going to experience a long wait, perhaps unnecessarily, and should follow the advice above where possible. We apologise to every patient who has experienced long waits for a bed in UHL. Our staff are doing everything to provide the best possible care. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as necessary," they added.

"We apologise to every patient who has experienced long waits for a bed in UHL. Our staff are doing everything to provide the best possible care. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as necessary. At this time of exceptionally high demand for hospital services, we ask the public to continue supporting us, to ensure emergency care is prioritised for the sickest, most seriously injured and frailest patients," the hospital concluded.