ALERT: Clare patients urged to consider alternative care options before attending UHL

Members of the public in Clare are being advised that University Hospital Limerick is currently experiencing a significant increase in attendances and HSE Mid-West is appealing to those with non-urgent health needs to seek support through alternative care options before presenting at the emergency department.

A total of 125 patients on trolleys was recorded at UHL on Monday. A record 95,373 people attended the ED last year – the busiest in the country with the highest annual increase in presentations of 10% - and that pattern of high attendances has continued into 2026. 

With approximately half these patients arriving to ED without GP referral, the HSE is urging people to first use the available alternatives where possible, including 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 in Limerick for non-life-threatening conditions and injuries.

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In the event of local GP surgeries being closed, Shannondoc is open from 6pm to 8am, Monday to Friday, and all day (24 hours) on Saturday and Sunday. Shannondoc can be contacted at 0818 123 500.

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.

Ennis Injury Unit - 065 686 3121

Nenagh Injury Unit - 067 423 11

St John’s Injury Unit - 061 462 132

In its appeal, the HSE says the emergency department at UHL is for patients with life-threatening emergencies and that anyone with less urgent illnesses is going to experience a long wait, perhaps unnecessarily.

"At this time of exceptionally high demand for hospital services, the HSE is asking the public to continue supporting them, to ensure emergency care is prioritised for the sickest, most seriously injured and frailest patients," said a spokesperson.

Members of the public are also being reminded that restrictions on visiting remain in place at UHL, Ennis Hospital, Nenagh Hospital, St John’s Hospital and Croom Orthopaedic Hospital.

Only one visitor per person will be admitted and only during hospital visiting times: 2pm-4pm and 6pm-9pm for all five hospitals.

Visitors are asked to wear a face mask and these are available at the reception areas of the hospitals.

Visitors are being asked to not visit any of the hospitals if they have any symptoms of cold, flu, Covid-19 or any other viral illness.