Andrew Carey
andrew@limerickpost.ie
THE daily number of patients waiting on trollies at the University Hospital Limerick has hit record highs for 2015 this Friday.
56 patients are now waiting of trollies at the Dooradoyle hospital, nine more than Thursday’s figure which was also the highest in the country on both days.
43 0f the 56 are waiting on trollies in the Emergency Department with the remainder in wards.
On Thursday, after trolley watch figures showed 47 patients on trollies, the HSE said that the numbers presenting at the hospital was unusual for this time of year and a spokesperson said that the Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick has seen an unexpected increase in patients presenting over the last number of days which has resulted in high numbers of patients waiting on trolleys and long delays.
“UL Hospitals Group apologises that any patient has to wait to be admitted, delivery of the best possible care for patients is our priority from the moment of presentation. Staff across the Group, are working hard to ensure the optimum care and safety of all our patients during this very busy period.
“Amongst the factors contributing to the increase in pressure within the ED is the older age profile of patients presenting along with the complexity of issues they have. In addition, refurbishment work is underway in one of our in-patient wards to bring the facilities up to HIQA standards, with work due to be completed in November. The temporary closure of this ward means that the number of beds available for in-patients in UHL has been reduced.
The UL Hospitals Group said that the escalation plan has been enacted and among the measures taken to relieve pressure on the ED and reduce waiting times, are the transfer of suitable patients from UHL to Ennis Hospital, Nenagh Hospital and St John’s Hospital; the transfer of appropriate patients to community care settings; and better communication with GPs to ensure patients are referred to the ED only where appropriate.”
A further update on Friday’s situation is awaited from the HSE.
