High numbers on trolleys at busy Galway Emergency Department

Some elective procedures being postponed

THE PUBLIC are being warned of long waiting times at the Emergency Department of Galway University Hospital as 328 people attended the services on Monday.

A total of 75 patients were waiting on trolleys this (Tuesday) morning, with 17 patients in the Emergency Department (ED), 22 patients on ward trolleys and an additional 36 patients in the surge areas.

All available beds in the hospital are in use, causing patients to face long waiting times to be admitted from the ED to a bed in a ward.

Patients who are ready to go home are being discharged in order to free up beds for waiting patients.

The hospital says that due to the ongoing pressures and the lack of bed capacity, some elective surgeries may have to be deferred. However, urgent and time-sensitive procedures are being prioritised.

Patients who are seriously ill or injured are being prioritised while those who do not require urgent care may experience longer waiting times.

The public are requested to consider all available healthcare options before attending the ED, like visiting their GP or out of hours services in the first instance if possible.

Patients are also being directed towards Roscommon Injury Unit that opens from 8am to 8pm daily, to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over the age of five.

Expert advice and over-the-counter treatments for a wide range of minor illnesses is also available from community pharmacists.

For more information, visit: www.hse.ie.