Limerick public urged to consider alternative care options before presenting to Emergency Department

UNIVERSITY Hospital Limerick (UHL) 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 today. 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 for non-life-threatening conditions and injuries.

When your GP surgery is closed, Shannondoc is open from 6pm to 8am, Monday to Friday, and all day (24 hours) on Saturday and Sunday. You can contact Shannondoc on 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.

READ MORE: Calls for urgent reform to ambulance services in Limerick and for the Mid-West

Injury Units are a walk-in service, open 8am to 8pm at Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s Hospital. They can treat a range of injuries that don’t need hospitalisation, such as broken bones, dislocations, and minor burns. There is a typical patient experience time of around two hours. For advice, contact:

Ennis Injury Unit - 065 686 3121

Nenagh Injury Unit - 067 423 11

St John’s Injury Unit - 061 462 132

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 HSE apologise to every patient who has experienced long waits for a bed in UHL. The staff are doing everything to provide the best possible care. They continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as necessary.

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. 

They're reminding members of the public 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.

Please do not visit the hospitals if you have any symptoms of cold, flu, COVID-19 or any viral illness.