Letterkenny University Hospital is experiencing high volumes of patients attending at the Emergency Department today, making it the most overcrowded ED in the country.
Thirty-five patients were recorded waiting on admission in the Emergency Department this morning, according to the INMO Trolley Watch.
Saolta have issued a notice to say that Full Capacity Protocol has been put in place. Among the measures being taken to relieve pressure on the ED are: the transfer of appropriate patients to community care settings; communication with GPs to ensure patients are referred to ED only where appropriate and extra ward rounds.
“LUH apologises for any distress or inconvenience caused to patients or their loved ones who are experiencing long wait times in recent days. We also acknowledge the difficult situation for our staff and thank them for their continued dedication and commitment to patient care,” a statement from Saolta said.
“We would like to remind the public that we encourage them to attend the Emergency Department only in the case of real emergencies and they should contact their GP or GP Out-of-Hours service in the first instance.”
