UHG is under heavy pressure today due to high numbers of people coming to the Emergency Department, with pressure on bed availability.
The Saolta Group, in a statement to Galway Daily today, said that many patients are experiencing long waiting times today to be admitted to a ward from the ED in Galway.
Some elective procedures may end up being cancelled this week as a result of the pressure on the hospital.
“The situation is being monitored closely and if necessary some elective procedures may be postponed later this week.”
“If this is necessary, patients will be contacted directly. The hospital would like to apologise to patients and their families for the delays in the ED.”
“Given the volume of patients attending the Emergency Department, the hospital is asking the public to contact their GP during normal surgery hours or the Westdoc GP Out of Hours service in the first instance if their health problem is not urgent.”
“The hospital is committed to treating everyone who presents at the ED; people who are seriously injured or ill are assessed and treated as a priority and those who do not require urgent care may be waiting longer.”
Figures from the INMO show that there were 34 patients at UHG without a bed at 8am this morning, though that could well have increased with fresh admittance in the hours since.
People considering attending the hospital are also advised that the injury unit at Roscommon University Hospital is open from 8am to 8pm each day for a range of injuries.
COVID-19 measures also remain in place, with people coming to the Emergency Department asked to do so alone in order to lower the risk of infections spreading.
Patients will only be allowed to wait with a companion in exceptional circumstances, and must wear masks.
