Mercy Hospital ED under severe strain as patients wait over 24 hours for beds

Mercy University Hospital is struggling with severe overcrowding as 24 patients remain on trolleys and the HSE appeals for alternatives

HSE data shows seven patients had waited over 24 hours after doctors determined they were too sick to be discharged.

The Mercy University Hospital’s emergency department remained extremely busy on Thursday morning, with seven people waiting more than 24 hours for a bed, as the HSE urged the public to consider alternative care options.

There were 24 patients on trolleys at the Cork City hospital on Thursday, unable to get a bed, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).

HSE data shows seven patients had waited over 24 hours after doctors determined they were too sick to be discharged.

It also shows a further 17 people were placed on temporary surge beds, in addition to those on trolleys.

The HSE South West urged people to consider visiting their GP, pharmacy, or SouthDoc if their condition could be treated there.

Patients at the emergency department are treated based on clinical need, meaning urgent cases are prioritised and others face extended waiting times, it said.

Cork GPs also have access to a virtual care service, allowing them to speak directly with a consultant in emergency or geriatric medicine about their patients.

“They can advise you if you need to attend the ED,” the HSE said.

The HSE’s Integrated Manager for Cork North and East, Sonya Cotter, called on people to accept this option if their GP offers it.

“We are working hard to protect access to emergency care at all hospitals for those who need it most,” she said.

Mercy Hospital new CEO Margaret McKiernan

Mercy University Hospital chief executive Margaret McKiernan said the hospital had seen “very high numbers” attending the ED.

“We are warning the public that the department has been extremely busy in recent days,” she said.

She added that staff are doing everything possible to reduce delays.

The HSE advised the public to consider the following alternatives before attending an emergency department:

• Self-care – Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet for colds, sore throats, and other minor illnesses.
• Pharmacy – Ask your pharmacist for advice on common, non-serious ailments.
• GP Surgery – Make an appointment with your GP if you’re feeling unwell.
• Local Injury Unit – For minor injuries, broken bones, and burns. Visit www.hse.ie/injuryunits for details.
• Out-of-Hours GP – If your GP clinic is closed, call SouthDoc on 0818 355 999.
• Emergency Department or 999/112 – For life-threatening or serious emergencies, go to your nearest ED.