University Hospital Galway remains extremely busy today with long wait times at the Emergency Department

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, with attendances ranging from 222 up to 251 this week.

As of 8am this morning there are 34 patients awaiting a bed in ED with high attendances continuing this morning.

Patients who attend ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times. People who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised.

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 continue to request that people consider other options for non-emergency care such as the Roscommon Injury Unit, their GP, Out of Hours GP and pharmacies before attending an ED.

Given the pressures and lack of available beds, UHG is continuing to postpone elective day case and inpatient adult procedures.

Urgent, time sensitive cases are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.

Outpatient appointments are proceeding as usual and people should come to their appointments unless advised otherwise. However, anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or is a contact of someone with COVID-19 should not come to their appointment and should reschedule by contacting the number on their appointment letter.

Note to Editor

The HSE publishes a daily report of the number of patients awaiting admission to an inpatient hospital bed. TrolleyGAR data is available here: http://137.191.241.85/ed/