University Hospital Galway is reporting serious overcrowding today, with heavy pressure on bed availability.
There are 61 patients admitted to UHG today for whom no beds are available, the second highest figure in the country.
In the emergency department there were 44 patients on trolleys this morning, and a further 17 patients without beds in the wards.
Yesterday 250 people attended the emergency department at UHG, and as of 11am this morning there were more than 80 people presenting at the ED.
“As always, people who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised,” a statement from the hospital said.
“The high number of people attending who need to be admitted for ongoing treatment means that there is pressure on bed availability.”
“This is resulting in significant delays being experienced by patients in the Emergency Department who are waiting for a bed to become available on a ward.”
“The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.”
“The hospital is committed to treating everyone who presents at the Emergency Department; 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.”
The hospital is encouraging people to attend their GP, out of hours service, or Roscommon Injury Unit in the first instance if possible.
