Galway hospital is full and high numbers waiting for admission

Over 40 patients waiting to be discharged

THERE are over 40 patients in University Hospital Galway who are waiting to be discharged but can’t be due to a lack of support care such as nursing home places and home help.

The hospital says it is extremely busy with 60 patients on trollies who are waiting to be admitted for ongoing treatment and additional surge areas are in use.

There are currently 42 patients in the hospital who are classified as Delayed Discharge of Care (this means they are clinically ready to leave hospital but are awaiting additional supports either at home or in community services).

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,” the hospital stated.

Elective procedures being postponed

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.

All possible measures to improve patient flow and reduce delays in the Emergency Department are being implement and the public is asked 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.

“The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.

“We request 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,” stated the hospital.