Hiqa finds UHL patient waiting for 116 hours and diagnoses being given in public corridors

Hiqa inspectors witnessed patients on trolleys being given medical diagnoses or updates on corridors where this was easily overheard
Hiqa finds UHL patient waiting for 116 hours and diagnoses being given in public corridors

Hiqa states that University Hospital Limerick has a policy of transferring patients to smaller hospitals in the UL Hospital Group as part of the escalation policy, and placing trolleys on wards when the ED becomes particularly overcrowded. File picture: Dan Linehan

A Hiqa inspection of the emergency department at University Hospital Limerick identified one patient waiting 116 hours for treatment and found nurse shortages are significantly affecting the “delivery of safe care”.

The inspectors said patients on trolleys had “little to no privacy or dignity” due to the overcrowding with personal information regularly shared in areas where many others could hear.

Already a subscriber? Sign in

You have reached your article limit.

Unlimited access. Half the price.

Annual €120 €60

Best value

Monthly €10€5 / month

More in this section

Lunchtime News

Newsletter

Keep up with stories of the day with our lunchtime news wrap and important breaking news alerts.

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited