Unprecedented level of demand at UHL

Mid West Statement on Emergency Department and Alternative Care Options

(LIMERICK: 08/10/2024) UNIVERSITY Hospital Limerick (UHL) is currently experiencing an unprecedented level of demand and we are appealing to the public to consider all care options before presenting at our Emergency Department (ED).

We have been caring for an exceptionally high number of unwell medical patients in the hospital, which yesterday (Monday October 7th) recorded its highest ever level of ED presentations, with 325 patients attending.

Surge capacity has been opened at UHL and scheduled activity in UHL and across all sites is under constant review, with the exception of urgent and time-critical patients, including cancer patients.

We apologise to anyone who is currently experiencing long waits for admission to University Hospital Limerick in recent days. The ED remains open 24/7 and urgent care is being delivered to those who need it most. However, anyone who comes to ED who doesn’t have a life-threatening or severe illness or injury will face a significant wait.

We encourage the public across Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary to make use of all available alternatives to ED, including local pharmacies for minor ailments; family doctors and out-of-hours GP services; and the Injury Units at Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s Hospitals.

We thank the public for their patience at this time of exceptionally high demand for hospital services, and ask them to continue supporting us in ensuring emergency care is prioritised for the sickest, most seriously injured and frailest patients.