Patients facing long waiting times at UHG Emergency Department
PATIENTS attending the Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway (UHG) are facing long wait times, with all available ward beds in the hospital currently in use.
Yesterday 311 people attended their Emergency Department. As of this morning, there are 14 patients on trolleys in the Emergency Department, 13 patients on ward trolleys, and an additional four patients on trolleys in surge areas.
Everyone who presents will be treated, with priority given to those who are seriously ill or injured. Patients who do not require urgent care unfortunately may experience longer waiting times, the HSE has advised.
The hospital says that every effort is being made by staff to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds will become available.
Due to these ongoing pressures and the lack of bed capacity, the hospital is reviewing some elective surgeries that may have to be deferred. Urgent and time-sensitive procedures are being prioritised and patients will be contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.
Other healthcare services available
Given the demand, the HSE are requesting that people only attend the Emergency Department at the hospital if it is an emergency.
They are asking that people attend their GP or out of hours service in the first instance if 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.
Community pharmacists can provide expert advice and over-the-counter treatments for a wide range of minor illnesses. In addition to this expert advice, a new service is available which allows pharmacists to supply prescription-only medication without the need to see a GP.
The following common conditions that can be treated include allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, cystitis (uncomplicated urinary tract infection) and vaginal thrush.
Information about the scheme is available on the HSE website.