Long wait times at Galway’s Emergency Dept today

Some elective procedures postponed

THE Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway continues to be extremely busy today with high numbers of people attending the department who need to be admitted to hospital for ongoing treatment.

Yesterday 323 people attended the ED. As of this morning, there are 29 patients on trolleys in the Emergency Department, 22 patients on ward trolleys, and an additional 38 patients in surge areas.

The hospital says it is implementing all possible measures to improve patient flow and reduce delays in the ED and is asking the public to consider all available healthcare options before attending.

Everyone who presents will be treated, with priority given to those who are seriously ill or injured. Patients who do not require urgent care may experience longer waiting times.

All available beds in the hospital are in use. Patients are facing long waiting times to be admitted from the Emergency Department to a bed on a ward. Every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds will become available for patients who need to be admitted, at the earliest opportunity.

Due to these ongoing pressures and the lack of bed capacity, the hospital is postponing some elective procedures. Urgent and time-sensitive procedures are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.

The hospital requests that people only attend the Emergency Department at the hospital if it is an emergency situation. “We ask that people attend their GP or out of hours service in the first instance if at all possible. The Roscommon Injury Unit is also open from 8am to 8pm daily, to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over the age of five,” a spokesperson for the hospital said.