High attendances at Emergency Department in UHL

University Hospital Limerick (UHL) is currently experiencing sustained high demand in its Emergency Department (ED), with attendances significantly above expected levels in recent days. HSE Mid West is asking the public to consider the most appropriate healthcare service for their needs, where it is safe to do so, to help ensure emergency care remains available for those who need it most.

To date this year, 55,467 patients have attended the Emergency Department at UHL, the highest number of attendances at any emergency department nationally. Over the past three days alone, 992 patients have presented for emergency care, an exceptionally high level of activity for any time of the year.

The Emergency Department remains open and continues to prioritise patients based on clinical need. As always, the sickest patients are seen first. People with non-urgent illnesses or injuries may experience longer waiting times and are encouraged to consider alternative services where appropriate.

Approximately half of recent attendances have been from patients who did not require a GP referral. Many non life threatening conditions can be safely treated through community healthcare services, including local pharmacies, family doctors, Injury Units and GP-referral Medical Assessment Units at Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s Hospitals.

When GP surgeries are closed, Shannondoc provides out-of-hours GP services from 6pm to 8am Monday to Friday, and 24 hours a day on Saturdays, Sundays and the August Bank Holiday Monday (3 August). Shannondoc can be contacted on 0818 123 500. GPs can also refer patients requiring urgent, but not emergency, assessment to the Medical Assessment Units in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s Hospitals.

Injury Units in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s Hospital are open daily from 8am to 8pm. These walk-in services treat a wide range of injuries that do not require admission to hospital, including suspected broken bones, dislocations, sprains, minor burns and wounds. Typical patient experience time is approximately two hours.

For advice, contact:

* Ennis Injury Unit: 065 686 3121

* Nenagh Injury Unit: 067 42311

* St John’s Injury Unit: 061 462 132

The Emergency Department remains the right place for anyone experiencing a life-threatening emergency.

HSE Mid West recognises that patients and families may experience longer waits during periods of exceptionally high demand and appreciates their patience and understanding. We also wish to acknowledge the commitment and professionalism of our staff across hospital and community services, who continue to work tirelessly to provide safe, timely and compassionate care to everyone who needs it.