40 patients are waiting on a bed at St Luke’s General Hospital for Carlow and Kilkenny today.
Figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) show 558 are waiting at facilities across the country, 382 of them in emergency departments, while 176 are on other wards.
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University Hospital Limerick is the worst affected by overcrowding with 112, followed by 57 at University Hospital Galway and 52 at St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin while the fourth highest figure is at St Luke’s where 19 are in the ED with 21 on other wards.
It means a jump in numbers locally by a third since last Friday.
The HSE has issued a statement to KCLR News
“Many hospitals across the country, including St Luke’s General Hospital Carlow/Kilkenny are facing continued pressure with very high levels of attendance due to ongoing admittance, as a result of winter respiratory viruses”.
“Management in St Luke’s have implemented several measures to reduce the number of patients waiting on trolleys for an acute bed. However, some patients are experiencing very long wait times in the AMAU/ Emergency Department”.
“Management in St Luke’s Hospital is urging members of the public to consider all available care options before attending the AMAU/ Emergency Department. There are a range of care pathways available to patients who do not need emergency care including Pharmacists, GP, and Care Doc Out of Hours Services”
“Within the AMAU & Emergency Departments, patients will be prioritised based on the severity of their illness. Management and clinicians in the hospital ask all patients where appropriate to consult with their GP prior to attending an Emergency Department”.
“Hospital Management would like to thank the public for their support and understanding during this period”.
