Long waiting times for patients at UHG

PATIENTS are being warned to expect long delays at the Emergency Department of University Hospital Galway (UHG), with bed space at capacity.

At the weekend, 404 patients (206 on Saturday and 198 on Sunday), attended the Emergency Department (ED). As of this morning, there were a total of 39 patients on trollies in ED and at ward level. There are also significant additional beds in use due to the increased activity, which is impacting capacity.

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

The HSE have said that UHG are doing all they can 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 reviewing elective procedures. Urgent and time-sensitive procedures are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.

As they deal with the current demand, the HSE is requesting that people only attend the ED at the hospital if it is an emergency situation.

They are asking people to attend their GP or out of hours service first. The Roscommon Injury Unit is also open from 8am to 8pm daily, and can treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over the age of five.

Community pharmacists can also provide expert advice and over-the-counter treatments for a wide range of minor illnesses. In addition to expert advice, pharmacists can now supply prescription-only medication without the need to see a GP.

“The hospital is implementing all possible measures to improve patient flow and reduce delays in the Emergency Department and is asking the public to consider all available healthcare options before attending," the hospital said in a statement.

“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."

Winter time sees an increased rate in respiratory illness in the community. To protect patients and staff from acute illness, all visitors to the hospital are asked use hand gel regularly.

UHG are advising people not to visit a patient in the hospital if they a have a cough, cold, sore throat or high temperature. The hospital have also asked that visits be postponed until at least 48 hours after symptoms have cleared.