Letterkenny University Hospital remains under significant pressure

New Year ...same problems.

Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) remains under significant pressure as a result of high attendance along with Covid-19 and flu outbreaks at the hospital.

There were 116 attendances at the Emergency Department (ED) yesterday (Monday). As of 8am today (Tuesday), there are 56 patients awaiting admission to ED. Many of those attending need to be admitted for ongoing treatment which is leading to pressure on bed availability.

According to a spokesperson all available beds are in use.

"Every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds will become available for patients who need to be admitted, at the earliest opportunity.

"LUH is committed to treating everyone who presents at the Emergency Department.

"People who are seriously injured or ill are assessed and treated as a priority. Those who do not require urgent care will be waiting longer."

The spokesperson added the hospital understands that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologise for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.

The spokesperson also stressed that if your health problem is not an emergency you should in the first instance contact your GP during normal surgery hours or the GP out of hours service.

"The hospital is also dealing with outbreaks of Covid-19 and flu across eight wards or departments. LUH is currently treating 50 Covid-19 patients, with a further 23 patients being treated for flu and eight for RSV.

"Restricted visitor access remains in place for wards where outbreaks have occurred. To arrange a visit to these wards, please contact the ward manager in advance.

"Given the pressures on the hospital, we are appealing to people not to visit the hospital if they have any symptoms of flu or Covid-19 or feel unwell."

Visitors are asked to follow all infection precaution measures including cleaning their hands regularly during their time in the hospital, wear a mask and do not use the patient toilets on wards or en-suite bathrooms.