The number of patients without a bed at Letterkenny University Hospital has fallen from 62 this morning to 32 this afternoon.
Despite the reduction, a statement has been issued warning patients to expect lengthy waiting times as pressure on services continues.
Letterkenny University Hospital is warning of significant pressure on its services, with all available beds in use and additional surge capacity required.
The HSE says increased rates of respiratory illness are driving a high number of admissions, with three wards currently in outbreak.
Visiting to Surgical 2 is restricted unless approved by the ward’s nurse manager, and people with symptoms of illness are being asked not to visit patients.
The hospital says patients are facing lengthy waits for admission from the Emergency Department, while urgent and time-sensitive procedures are being prioritised as elective procedures are reviewed.
The HSE is urging the public to attend the Emergency Department only in an emergency, and to contact their GP, out-of-hours service or community pharmacist for other healthcare needs.
Media Statement:
Letterkenny University Hospital is extremely busy with long wait times in the Emergency Department
9 November 2026
The Emergency Department at Letterkenny University Hospital continues to be extremely busy with high numbers of people attending the department who need to be admitted to hospital for ongoing treatment.
As of this afternoon, there are a total of 32 patients on trollies in ED and at ward level. There are also significant additional surge beds in use due to the increased activity, which is impacting capacity.
At this time of year we see increased rates of respiratory illness in the community with a high number of admissions as a result. Currently there are three wards in outbreak and visiting to Surgical 2 is restricted unless pre-approved with the nurse manager on the ward.
In order to protect patients and staff from acute illness all visitors to the hospital are asked use hand gel regularly. If you have a cough, cold, sore throat or high temperature please do not visit a patient in the hospital. Please postpone your visit until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have cleared.
Keeping up to date with your vaccines is the most important thing you can do to avoid serious illness from flu and COVID-19. Find your nearest clinic here.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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 hospital is committed to treating everyone who presents at the Emergency Department; people who are seriously injured or ill are assessed and treated as a priority and those who do not require urgent care may be waiting longer.
Community pharmacists provide expert advice and over-the-counter treatments for a wide range of minor illnesses. In addition to this expert advice, a new service is available which allows pharmacists to supply prescription-only medication without the need to see a GP. The following common conditions can be treated under the Common Conditions Service; allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, cystitis (uncomplicated urinary tract infection), vaginal thrush. Information about the scheme is available on the HSE website here.
