Mayo University Hospital warns of long Emergency Department waiting times
27 patients waiting on trolley as some elective surgeries are deferred and urgent procedures prioritised
Mayo University Hospital has warned of long waiting times in its Emergency Department due to high numbers of patients requiring admission for ongoing treatment.
On Monday, October 19, the hospital apologised for lengthy delays in moving from the Emergency Department to ward beds and said some elective surgeries had been deferred, with urgent and time-sensitive procedures prioritised.
The trolley count at the hospital this morning showed 27 patients waiting, including 13 in the Emergency Department and 14 in wards elsewhere in the hospital.
People are being asked to contact their GP or GP out-of-hours service where possible and to attend the Emergency Department only in an emergency.
The hospital stressed that everyone attending the Emergency Department would be assessed. Seriously ill and injured patients will be treated as a priority, while those who do not require urgent care may face longer waits.
The hospital also reminded the public that community pharmacists can provide advice and over-the-counter treatments for a range of minor illnesses through the HSE’s Common Conditions Service, including cold sores, conjunctivitis, shingles, thrushes and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
MUH said it remained committed to treating everyone who presents to its Emergency Department, while urging people to use alternative healthcare services where appropriate to help manage pressure on the department.