HSE Mid West has warned people across the region to consider “alternative care options” before presenting to the overcrowded emergency department (ED) at University Hospital Limerick (UHL).
This comes as, according to figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, there were 125 people left waiting on trolleys for in-hospital beds at 8am this Monday morning (January 12) – the highest number at any Irish hospital so far this year.
The HSE said that UHL is “currently experiencing a significant increase in attendances” and appealed to those with “non-urgent health needs” to seek support through alternative options before presenting at the UHL ED.
The health service said that a record 95,373 people attended the UHL ED last year, making it the busiest emergency department in the country with the highest annual increase in presentations of 10 per cent. The HSE said that “pattern of high attendances has continued into 2026”.
“With approximately half these patients arriving to ED without GP referral, we’re urging people to first use the available alternatives where possible, including local pharmacies and family doctors, as well as walk-in injury units and GP-referral medical assessment units in Ennis, Nenagh, and St John’s hospitals for non-life-threatening conditions and injuries,” the health service said.
“When your GP surgery is closed, Shannondoc is open from 6pm to 8am, Monday to Friday, and all day (24 hours) on Saturday and Sunday. You can contact Shannondoc on 0818 123 500.”
The health service added that “if you need urgent care, but don’t require ED attendance, GPs can refer you to a medical assessment unit in Ennis, Nenagh or St John’s Hospitals”.
Local injury units, for injuries including broken bones, dislocations, and minor burns, can be contacted in Ennis on 065 686 3121, Nenagh on 067 423 11, and St John’s Hospital on 061 462 132.
“The emergency department is for patients with life-threatening emergencies. Anyone with less urgent illnesses is going to experience a long wait, perhaps unnecessarily, and should follow the advice above where possible,” HSE Mid West said.
“We apologise to every patient who has experienced long waits for a bed in UHL. Our staff are doing everything to provide the best possible care. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as necessary.”