Letterkenny University Hospital’s emergency department is currently extremely busy with long wait times.
There are high numbers of people attending the department who need to be admitted to hospital for ongoing treatment.
A total of 568 patients attended the Emergency Department over the bank holiday weekend.
The emergency department currently has 27 patients waiting beds, and all surge capacity areas are full, including the Acute Medical Assessment Unit and Day Services Unit.
Due to the significant pressure on hospital capacity, all elective surgeries have been postponed today. The hospital’s implementing all possible measures to improve patient flow and reduce delays in the emergency department.
They ask the public to consider all available healthcare options before attending, noting patients whose conditions are not emergencies should contact their GP or GP out-of-hours service where appropriate.
Pharmacists can also provide expert advice on over-the-counter treatments for a wide range of minor illnesses.
Patients should continue to attend the emergency department if they have a serious or potentially life-threatening condition.
Despite pressures, as always, everyone who presents will be treated, with priority being given to those who are seriously ill or injured. Those who do not require urgent care may experience longer wait times.
