Warning of delays at UHL due to high number of patients attending Emergency Department

THE UL Hospitals Group is warning of lengthy delays at the Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick due the high number of patients presenting at the hospital.

Over the past 48 hours, daily attendances at the ED have averaged 246, compared with 205 on the equivalent days last year. This has followed a busy weekend at the department.

"We are currently caring for a large number of frail, elderly patients, children, and other patients with complex care needs. People with less urgent care needs are advised to expect long delays," said a spokesperson.

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UL Hospitals says it is working to ensure that care is prioritised for the sickest patients. Patients who are seriously ill or injured or worried that their life is in danger should continue to attend the ED where they will be treated as a priority.

"As part of our escalation plan, additional ward rounds, accelerated discharges and identification of patients for transfer to Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s hospitals are all underway," said a spokesperson.

Less acutely unwell patients are being asked to first consider attending local injury units; a GP or a pharmacists before attending ED.

The Injury Units in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s hospitals are all operating as normal.