University Hospital Galway is extremely busy today, with limited bed capacity and long waits at the A&E Saolta has said.
“We regret that patients are currently experiencing long waiting times to be admitted from the Emergency Department to an acute bed in the hospital.”
“We have a high number of patients waiting for admission on trollies in the ED and in both the Acute Medical Unit and Acute Surgical Unit, which we apologise for.”
“We know these delays are very difficult for our patients and their families,” a statement from the Saolta Hospital Group said.
People should only visit the Emergency Department in the event of real emergencies, and that people should contact their GP or the WestDoc GP out if hours service in the first instance.
“We would like to remind our patients that the Injury Unit in Roscommon University Hospital is open from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over five years of age.”
Due to COVID-19 social distancing rules, people are also being asked to wait alone at the A&E at University Hospital Galway. A companion will be allowed in extraordinary circumstances.
“We are committed to treating everyone who presents at our ED but we do so strictly in order of medical priority and apologise for the long wait times.”
