Long waiting times for patients at UHG

UNIVERSITY Hospital Galway (UHG) is asking the public to avoid using its emergency department where possible, as it is currently subject to significant delays.

As of this morning, there were 34 patients on trollies in the emergency department (ED) and at ward level, while all available beds in the hospital are in use. This is leading to patients facing long waiting times to be admitted from the ED to a bed on a ward.

There are also significant additional temporary beds in use due to the increased activity, which is impacting capacity, while the hospital is also managing flu and COVID-19 outbreaks.

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

Every effort is also being made by staff at UHG 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.

The hospital have said they are implementing all possible measures to improve patient flow and reduce delays in the ED. They are 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 unfortunately may experience longer waiting times,” a spokesperson for UHG said.

“We request that people only attend the ED 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 HSE have also advised the public that Roscommon Injury Unit is 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 also provide advice and over-the-counter treatments for a wide range of minor illnesses. In addition to this advice, a new service is available which allows pharmacists to supply prescription-only medication without the need to see a GP.

Many common conditions can be treated under this service, such as allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, cystitis (uncomplicated urinary tract infection) and vaginal thrush.

More information about the service is available on the HSE website.