University Hospital Galway under significant pressure today

University Hospital Galway is appealing to the public to consider all care options before attending the Emergency Department. The ED at UHG has experienced high levels of attendances this week and there is significant pressure on bed availability. As of this morning there were 42 patients on trolleys awaiting admission to in-patient beds.

This is resulting in significant delays being experienced by patients in the ED. We acknowledge long delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologise for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause. In particular, we acknowledge that long waiting times are very difficult for older people and those who find themselves in vulnerable situations. We remain committed to trying to ensure that their care and comfort will be a priority even when some waiting is unavoidable.

In addition to these pressures the hospital is treating 55 patients with respiratory illnesses including flu, COVID-19 and RSV, with two wards managing outbreaks of respiratory viruses.

Visiting is limited in wards affected by outbreaks and visitors to all other areas of the hospital should be mindful of public health advice.

Chris Kane, Hospital Manager at UHG said, “At this time of year in particular people are keen to spend time with loved ones in hospital, but we are asking anyone who has a cough, cold, temperature, runny nose or sneezing to delay visiting until they no longer have symptoms. By staying at home you will help to prevent the spread of illness, protect those who may be more vulnerable to the effects of these infections and avoid impact on services at a very busy time of year.

“All visitors to the hospital will be required to practice good hand hygiene and use hand gel regularly, face masks are available for use throughout the hospital.

“As always we are committed to treating everyone who presents at our ED but we do so strictly in order of medical priority. We continue to request that people consider other options for non-emergency care such as Out of Hours GP and pharmacies before attending an ED. Roscommon Injury Unit is open 365 days a year, from 8am to 8pm and treats a range of minor injuries like breaks, sprains, burns and wounds.”

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 out more here