Surgeries postponed due to overcrowding at Emergency Department of University Hospital Galway
The HSE has warned of major overcrowding at University Hospital Galway, which has resulted in surgeries being postponed.
In a statement, the HSE said the Emergency Department at UHG was “extremely busy” with high numbers of people attending who need to be admitted for ongoing treatment.
On Monday, 323 people attended the ED. Today (Tuesday, April 28) there were 29 patients on trolleys in the Emergency Department, 22 patients on ward trolleys, and 38 patients in surge areas.
The HSE said UHG was implementing all possible measures to improve patient flow and reduce delays in the Emergency Department. It asked the public to consider all other available healthcare options before attending.
“Everyone who presents will be treated, with priority given to those who are seriously ill or injured. Patients who do not require urgent care unfortunately may experience longer waiting times,” the HSE said.
“All available beds in the hospital are in use. 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,” it added.
Overcrowding has resulted in elective surgeries being postponed.
“Urgent and time-sensitive procedures are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed. 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 HSE added.
UHG asked the public to attend ED only if it is an emergency situation, and they should attend their GP in the first instance if possible.