UHL urges public to avoid emergency department as 350 people attend in one day

Hospital warns of severe pressure on its emergency department and asks the public to seek alternative care for non-urgent needs

350 people showed up to UHL' ED in 24 hours. Picture: Dan Linehan.

The public has been urged to use “available alternatives” where possible after 350 people attended University Hospital Limerick’s (UHL) emergency department in 24 hours.

The hospital said that around half arrived at the ED without a GP referral, with hospital bosses urging the public not to attend before seeking other alternatives first.

The alternatives listed by the hospital include local pharmacies and family doctors, as well as walk-in injury units and GP-referral medical assessment units in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s Hospital for non-life-threatening conditions and injuries.

“The emergency department is for patients with life-threatening emergencies. Anyone with less urgent illnesses is going to experience a long wait, perhaps unnecessarily, and should follow the advice above where possible,” the hospital said on Tuesday.

The hospital advised the public that Shannondoc is open from 6pm to 8am, Monday to Friday, and 24/7 during the weekend.

“If you need urgent care, but don’t require ED attendance, GPs can refer you to a medical assessment unit in Ennis, Nenagh or St John’s Hospitals,” the hospital said.

"We apologise to every patient who has experienced long waits for a bed in UHL. Our staff are doing everything to provide the best possible care.

"We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as necessary. At this time of exceptionally high demand for hospital services, we ask the public to continue supporting us, to ensure emergency care is prioritised for the sickest, most seriously injured and frailest patients."

On Tuesday, 103 patients were waiting for a bed at UHL, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO). Overall, more than 600 patients were waiting for beds in hospitals across Ireland.