LUH reaches capacity and restricts visitors amidst illness outbreak

An outbreak of respiratory illnesses in three wards at Letterkenny University Hospital has led to restricted visitation as the hospital reaches maximum capacity.

Visitors to Surgical Two must be pre-approved by the nurse manager on the ward.

Additionally, as of this afternoon, November 9, a total of 32 patients are on trolleys in the Emergency Department (ED) and at ward level.

There are also significant additional surge beds in use due to the increased activity, which is impacting capacity as all available beds are in use.

As a result, the hospital is currently reviewing elective procedures, and priority will be given to urgent and time-sensitive procedures. Priority in the ED will also be given to patients who present as seriously injured or ill, and those who do not require urgent care may be waiting longer.

A statement released by the Health Service Executive (HSE) said: “The Emergency Department at Letterkenny University Hospital continues to be extremely busy with high numbers of people attending the department who need to be admitted to hospital for ongoing treatment.

“At this time of year, we see increased rates of respiratory illness in the community with a high number of admissions as a result.

“In order to protect patients and staff from acute illness, all visitors to the hospital are asked to use hand gel regularly. If you have a cough, cold, sore throat or high temperature, please do not visit a patient in the hospital. Please postpone your visit until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have cleared.

“All available beds in the hospital are in use. Patients are facing long waiting times to be admitted from the Emergency Department to a bed on a ward. 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.

“The hospital is implementing all possible measures to improve patient flow and reduce delays in the Emergency Department and is asking the public to consider all available healthcare options before attending. Everyone who presents will be treated, with priority given to those who are seriously ill or injured. Patients who do not require urgent care unfortunately may experience longer waiting times.”