Long wait times are being reported in the Emergency Department of Letterkenny University Hospital today.
Management at the hospital said there has been a “very significant return of patients” that is putting pressure on services.
“In particular there is pressure on bed availability in the hospital and many patients are currently experiencing long waiting times to be admitted from the ED to an acute bed in the hospital,” said a statement from Saolta.
Given the volume of patients attending the Emergency Department, the hospital is asking the public to only present at the ED if they are in need of emergency medical treatment. The hospital is asking people to contact their GP during normal surgery hours or the NoWDOC GP Out of Hours service in the first instance if their health problem is not urgent.
LUH management has apologised to patients for the long wait times and confirmed that staff are committed to treating everyone who presents at the ED; people are seen and treated strictly in order of medical priority.
As part of the hospital’s COVID-19 measures, patients should wait in the ED alone to help maintain social distancing. A companion will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances. This is to minimise the risk of infection and to keep everyone safe.
Patients are asked to please wear a face covering/mask when in the ED and to comply with any COVID-19 screening processes.
Ten patients with Covid-19 are being treated in LUH, as of 8pm last night.