Public urged to ‘consider care options’ following UHL surge

UL Hospitals Group is appealing to members of the public to consider all their care options before presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) at UHL.

There has been a surge in presentations to Emergency Departments around the country in recent days and the ED at UHL is currently managing high volumes of patients including significant volumes of frail elderly patients with chronic conditions and complex care needs.

“UL Hospitals apologises for any inconvenience caused to patients or their loved ones who have experienced long wait times in the ED at UHL, and we would like to reassure patients and their families that we are working to alleviate the situation,” the group said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Members of the public are urged to consider all their care options at this time and not to attend the Emergency Department unless necessary.  Injury Units in St John’s, Ennis and Nenagh hospitals are open for appropriate injuries. Injury Units are open in Ennis and Nenagh Hospitals from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Sunday and 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday at St John’s Hospital. 

Others with a less serious illness can be treated by their GP or out of hours GP service where their GP can refer them to an Assessment Unit the following day if required,” the statement added.