Major overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick as it endures norovirus outbreak

UNIVERSITY Hospital Limerick is enduring the worst level of patient overcrowding in the country this Tuesday morning, as it tackles an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug. 

According to figures published by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, there were 56 patients being treated on emergency department trolleys and on additional trolleys or beds in the wards at UHL. 

This is the highest rate of overcrowding in the country, ahead of 54 patients on trolleys at Cork University Hospital. 

This is amid warnings to the public to avoid the emergency department unless “seriously injured or ill or are worried your life is at risk”, as UHL is battling an outbreak of the norovirus – or winter vomiting bug. 

As of 12 noon on Monday, there were three confirmed cases of the norovirus, with a number of other patients showing symptoms. 

As a result, wards 3A and 1A have imposed visiting bans. 

Patients with minor injuries are asked to attend local injuries units in St John’s, Ennis and Nenagh.