Letterkenny University Hospital is the most overcrowded in the country today with 56 patients waiting for a bed in the Emergency Department.
Saolta has confirmed that the hospital is “extremely busy” today with a high number of people attending.
“There is ongoing pressure on bed availability in the hospital and we regret that 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 management.
Patients are being seen strictly in order of medical priority.
The hospital has apologised for the long wait times.
Given the volume of patients attending the Emergency Department, the hospital is asking the public 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.
“As part of the hospital’s COVID-19 measures, we ask that patients 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. We remind patients to please wear a face covering/mask when in the ED and to comply with any COVID-19 screening processes.”
