The emergency department at St Luke’s General Hospital for Carlow and Kilkenny appears to be under pressure today.
18 people are waiting on a bed there, along with 8 more on other wards according to the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation’s daily TrolleyWatch.
Management at the local facility has confirmed it’s “extremely busy” and they’re asking that you only present there if in need of urgent care and where possible consider other options.
In a statement they note that “Similar to many Emergency Departments across the country St Luke’s General Hospital’s Emergency Department is extremely busy with high numbers of patients attending, many of are presenting with Covid 19 and complex needs requiring admission.
“Some patients may experience very long wait times in the AMAU/ Emergency Department, however, as always staff will prioritise the sickest patients and most urgent cases for treatment and care.
“The HSE 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 their clinical complexity priority. We therefore urge all patients where appropriate to consult with their GP prior to attending an Emergency Department. In an emergency situation, Emergency Departments continue to deal with all medical emergencies.
“Currently there a number of wards with Covid 19 outbreaks and visiting is restricted, information on these is available on our website
Hospital Management would like to thank the public for their support and understanding during this period.”
See visitor restriction details here
