HSE asks public not to attend A&E unless absolutely necessary

The warning follows high numbers of patients awaiting care in hospitals across the country. As of 8am on Monday, there were 272 patients on trolleys.  Pic: Larry Cummins

The HSE has issued a public warning asking people seeking medical attention not to present at hospital emergency departments unless absolutely necessary.

Its follows an 'extremely busy weekend' with unprecedented numbers of patients awaiting care in hospitals across the country. As of 8am on Monday, there were 272 patients on trolleys.

At midnight, there were 352 patients awaiting discharge, with several hospitals experiencing “extremely busy” periods.

People who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised, the HSE said.

Damien McCallion, the HSE’s Chief Operations Officer, said many emergency departments are “extremely busy” this Bank Holiday weekend.

“While we have seen a dip in numbers of covid and ‘flu from the January peak, there are still high levels of respiratory illness circulating and impacting our hospitals.

“Those who believe they may be seriously ill and require emergency care should come to hospital, but we would ask others who are not seriously ill, to consider seeking support from pharmacists, GPs, GP Out of Hours Services and Injury Units,” he added.

A number of surge measures have been introduced as part of the HSE Urgent and Emergency Care Plan in a bid to “reduce the number of patients waiting on trolleys for an acute bed”.

“We have seen significant improvements in 2024 versus 2023. While we have seen increased attendances of close to 15%, we've seen some improvements in the number of patients delayed in hospitals, the average trolleys every week, and also the statistics for older people where we put a particular focus on to ensure that those patients over 75 were admitted or discharged within 24 hours,” he said.

Mr McCallion said the health service are eager to “take every opportunity” to ensure the ED’s treat those who need it most as efficiently and safely as possible.