The HSE is encouraging the public to consider all care options before attending Emergency Departments (EDs) over the Bank Holiday weekend.
The Emergency Department at Letterkenny University Hospital continues to be extremely busy with high numbers of patients attending who require admission.
Health Services in the North West are asking the public to “bear with us as we prioritise those in need of urgent and emergency care.”
Patients who attend EDs for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times over the coming weekend, the HSE has warned.
People who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised.
A public appeal said: “You can help our staff at this busy time by considering other options for non-emergency care such as Injury Units, Out of Hours GP and pharmacies before attending an ED.”
Tony Canavan, CEO of the Saolta Group said: “Our hospitals remain incredibly busy and I acknowledge that these delays are very difficult and unacceptable for patients and their families. We are working closely with our community colleagues to ensure that every available resource is mobilised and utilised to respond to the needs of our patients who are seeking urgent and emergency care.”
Dermot Monaghan, Chief Officer Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo added:“If you urgently need to see a GP out of hours please contact your local out of hours healthcare provider. The GP out-of-hours service is for patients needing urgent medical care and we are encouraging the public to consider Out of Hours GP and pharmacies before attending an ED.”
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation have made an early warning this week of a ‘post-Easter’ surge in demand for healthcare after the Bank Holiday. The union is calling for all efforts to increase discharges, including over the long weekend period.
“Where it is available additional capacity must be obtained from the private sector and alternative care pathways in the community must be utilised,” said INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha.
