University Hospital Galway continues to be highly overcrowded this week, with almost 60 patients on trolleys today.
The 57 patients at UHG without a bed according to INMO Trolley/Ward Watch figures, making it the third worst in the country for overcrowding today.
Of those patients admitted, there are 44 on trolleys in the emergency department, and a further 13 without a bed in the wards.
The Saolta Group said in a statement to Galway Daily that due to the ongoing pressure, elective day case and adult inpatient procedures are continuing to be postponed.
“Urgent, time sensitive cases are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.”
“Patients who attend ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times.”
“People who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised.”
“The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.”
At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe there are a further 10 patients who have been admitted with no beds available as of this morning.
Half of those patients are on trolleys in the emergency department at Portiuncula, and half are in the wards.
Nationwide there are a total of 548 patients in Irish hospitals for whom no bed is available today.
The worst affected in the country is University Hospital Limerick (79), followed by Cork University Hospital (62), and UHG (57).
