HSE urges alternatives as CUH and Kerry hospitals overwhelmed by flu and weather injuries

Flu outbreaks, icy conditions and delayed discharges are driving high trolley numbers across hospitals in Cork and Kerry

Cork University Hospital (CUH) had 73 people on trolleys waiting for a bed, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation said on Wednesday. File picture

Hospitals in Cork and Kerry face “unprecedented demand” this week due to the weather and flu outbreaks.

The situation, with almost 130 people in trolleys in the two counties on Wednesday, has led to the HSE asking people to consider other care options if suitable.

Cork University Hospital (CUH) had 73 people on trolleys waiting for a bed, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) said on Wednesday. 

A further 16 were waiting at Mercy University Hospital, and seven were waiting in Bantry.

In Tralee, University Hospital Kerry had 32 people on trolleys.

Separate HSE data showed large numbers of people being treated on surge beds, which are beds usually used for daycare and pressed into use when hospitals are busy.

It also showed 56 people waiting 24 hours for a bed, including four people aged over 75.

“CUH and other hospitals in the region have experienced significant and at times unprecedented levels of demand for health care services,” the HSE Southwest said.

Priscilla Lynch, HSE manager for Cork South and West, urged people with injuries to consider the injury units in Bantry, Mallow, or Gurranabraher instead.

“Our emergency department at CUH remains very busy due to high demand and seasonal illnesses and weather-related injury, so patients with less urgent problems may experience longer waits as we prioritise those most seriously ill,” she cautioned.

Staff want to “keep emergency care available for those who need it most”, she added.

The units usually have shorter waiting times than a hospital. 

They offer X-rays, fracture treatment, burns treatment, and wound care.

However, Sonya Cotter, HSE manager for Cork North and East, said: “In an emergency, it’s really important that you do not delay and that you either come to the emergency department, or dial 999/112.” 

People were also advised to consider out-of-hours GP services or a pharmacy, if suitable.

Overall, the INMO warned of 670 people on trolleys on Wednesday.

The highest number was at Galway hospital at 83, followed by CUH, and then University Hospital Limerick, where 78 were waiting.

HSE data also showed 394 hospital patients whose care was finished but they were unable to be discharged. 

This could be due to shortages of home support, nursing home beds, or other interim supports.