Emergency departments under 'significant pressure' as HSE issues plea

A spokesperson said that the latest information available to them suggests that influenza levels have peaked.

The HSE has said that a number of emergency departments are under "significant pressure" due to the high illness rates around winter viruses.

It said though many hospitals have coped well, those under considerable pressure include: 

• Cork University Hospital (CUH);
• Tallaght University Hospital;
• UH Limerick;
• Galway University Hospital;
• Letterkenny University Hospital.

A spokesperson said that the latest information available to them suggests that influenza levels have peaked.

Despite this, winter viruses will cause high levels of activity for "a number of weeks".

The HSE is urging members of the public to consider all available care options, including injury units, GP, and local pharmacy if they have a minor ailment, rather than putting further pressure on the emergency departments.

The spokesperson explained: "Injury units are designed to treat injuries that are unlikely to need hospital admission and can treat someone with a non-life threatening injury like a sprain, broken bone or a minor cut or burn. 

"Treatment such as x-rays, plaster casts, and wound care are also available in an injury unit."

HSE chief operations officer Damien McCallion added: "There is significant pressure on our EDs at the moment with increased presentations. 

"Whilst we ask the public to seek alternative services for non-urgent care, we want to reassure them that anyone who is seriously injured or ill, or worried their life may be at risk, should to go to the emergency department without delay.” 

By attending the GP, pharmacy or injury unit if you can, you will help alleviate pressure in the ED, which will help us get patients out of the ED and on to wards. 

"Surge protocols, as part of the Urgent and Emergency Care plan, have been implemented as needed. 

"This is to reduce the number of patients waiting on trolleys for an acute bed and reduce the number of patients over the age of 75 waiting in emergency departments after a decision has been made to admit them for ongoing care and treatment.

"The HSE also appeals to the public to adhere to the public safety advice regarding the stormy weather and to avoid putting themselves in a position where they may have an accident or require emergency services."