The Emergency Department at Letterkenny University Hospital is extremely busy with almost 300 patients presenting in the past two days alone.
Saolta, the health group which runs the hospital said this is significantly higher than the average number which ranges between 105 and 115 patients per day.
A spokesman said “The hospital has admitted a significant number of ill patients recently, many of whom remain in the ED awaiting a bed.
“In the last two days almost 300 patients have presented to the ED which is significantly higher than the average number which ranges between 105 and 115 patients per day.
“Actions underway in the hospital to alleviate the waiting times for patients requiring hospital admission include additional reviews and early discharges.”
Saolta said it regrets the delays experienced by our patients.
The spokesperson added “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.
“We also wish to thank our staff who are working extremely hard during this busy and difficult time.”