Galway hospital urges public to avoid amid latest outbreaks

University Hospital Galway (UHG) is battling flu and Covid-19 outbreaks, with 34 patients on trolleys in its Emergency Department and at ward level on Thursday morning.

Hospital management is urging the public to attend the Emergency Department only in an emergency and to seek treatment from GPs, out-of-hours services or pharmacists where possible.

All available hospital beds are occupied, with additional surge beds in use to cope with demand.

Patients are facing lengthy waits for admission, while elective procedures are under review. Urgent and time-sensitive cases are being prioritised, with patients contacted directly if their procedures are postponed.

Staff are working to discharge patients who are medically fit to leave to free up beds.

The hospital apologised to patients and families for the delays, stressing that seriously ill or injured patients will receive priority treatment, while those with less urgent conditions may face longer waits.

Roscommon Injury Unit is also open daily from 8am to 8pm.