Over 50 patients awaiting beds at Galway hospital

PATIENTS are being warned of long waiting times at Galway's Emergency Department today.

As of this morning (Monday), there are 55 patients awaiting beds in University Hospital Galway, 34 of whom are in the Emergency Department.

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

The hospital is urging the public to seek alternative care, if possible, to avoid long waiting times at the ED. The facility continues to be busy with a high number of people attending who need to be admitted to hospital for ongoing treatment.

Patients who are ready to go home are being discharged to make more beds available for those who need them.

Due to the ongoing pressure and lack of bed capacity, the hospital is reviewing elective procedures, while urgent and time-sensitive procedures are being prioritised.

The hospital says it is implementing all possible measures to improve patient flow and reduce delays while urging the public to consider all available healthcare options before attending the ED.

Patients are asked only to attend the ED if it is an emergency situation.

The public are advised to attend their GP or out of hours service in the first instance if possible. Patients can also attend the Roscommon Injury Unit, open from 8am to 8pm daily, to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over the age of five.

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