Letterkenny hospital at capacity, 'under significant pressure' with over 100 in ED

Letterkenny University Hospital is at full capacity and staff are dealing with a huge volume of people in the emergency department.

Patients are advised that they will face “long wait times” and the Saolta University Health Care Group has confirmed that there are currently 105 patients in the emergency department. 

Many of those in the emergency department are said to be “acutely unwell”. 

“As always, we treat our sickest patients first, which means that patients who attend the ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times,” a statement said. 

“All available beds in the hospital are in use but regrettably patients are facing long waiting times to be admitted from the emergency department to a bed on a ward. Every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds will become available for patients who need to be admitted, at the earliest opportunity.

“The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.”

The public is asked to consider other options for non-emergency care such as Out of Hours GP and pharmacies before attending an emergency department.

The statement said: “For mild illness or non-urgent conditions there are a number of treatment options open to you depending on your illness – being prepared and knowing where to go will mean that you will get treated more quickly and will ease pressures on the healthcare system. Your local out of hours GP service and pharmacies are open this weekend for expert advice and treatment.

“People should check the HSE website for useful advice on common illnesses such as colds, coughs, flu, earache and sore throats and keeping well.

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“Keeping up to date with your vaccines is the most important thing you can do to avoid serious illness from flu and COVID-19. Visit hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist to get a vaccine.”