Sligo University Hospital’s emergency department is again experiencing what it describes as ‘extremely busy’ times with ‘a high number of people attending.’
The hospital also says there is ongoing pressure on bed availability, with many patients experiencing long waiting times to be admitted from the emergency department to an acute bed in the hospital.
A hospital statement, issued yesterday evening, said it is committed to treating everyone who presents at the emergency department.
However, it does so ‘strictly in order of medical priority.’
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 Caredoc service in the first instance if their health problem is not urgent.
Due to high attendances and bed capacity issues, some elective procedures have been postponed.
The hospital says it is reviewing planned elective surgery on an ongoing basis and is prioritising urgent time-sensitive procedures.
All out-patient department services and day cases such as gynaecology, endoscopy and other non-theatre day cases will proceed.
In the event that an elective procedure needing to be postponed, the hospital says it contacts the patient directly to advise.
As part of the hospital’s COVID-19 measures, a companion will be permitted with a patient only in exceptional circumstances.
All Covid measures must also be adhered to.
