Over 400 attend University Hospital Galway Emergency Department again as hospital warns of long waits

A total of 404 people attended on Saturday and Sunday – 206 on Saturday and 198 on Sunday. The previous Halloween weekend saw 401 attendances.

In a statement on Monday, UHG said 39 patients were on trolleys in the Emergency Department and on wards that morning. Additional surge beds were also in use to cope with demand.

The latest update follows a difficult week at the hospital. Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) figures showed 76 admitted patients awaiting beds on Tuesday, the highest number nationally that day, and 71 on Thursday.

Elective procedures are under review because of the lack of bed capacity, with urgent and time-sensitive treatments being prioritised. Patients will be contacted directly if their procedures are postponed.

Hospital management said efforts are being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home to free up beds for those awaiting admission.

With respiratory illnesses increasing in the community, visitors are being asked to use hand sanitiser and to stay away if they have a cough, cold, sore throat or high temperature. Visits should be postponed until at least 48 hours after symptoms have cleared.

The hospital is also encouraging people to keep their flu and Covid-19 vaccinations up to date.

People with non-emergency conditions are being asked to consider GPs, out-of-hours services and pharmacies before attending the Emergency Department. Roscommon Injury Unit is open from 8am to 8pm daily for a range of injuries in adults and children over five.

UHG apologised for the distress caused by delays and stressed that everyone who attends will be treated, with priority given to those who are seriously ill or injured.