University Hospital Waterford (UHW) has warned of significant overcrowding in its emergency department.
In a statement released at 11am on Wednesday morning, it requests that members of the public only attend the Emergency Department in cases of genuine emergency.
The latest trolley watch figures released by the INMO says that there are currently 41 people waiting on trolleys for admission at UHW- 35 of them in the emergency department and 6 in wards. That's the second highest in the country, behind Cork University Hospital with 52 people in need of a bed.
Full statement below:
"The Emergency Department (ED) in University Hospital Waterford (UHW) is currently experiencing significant overcrowding.
The South/ South West Hospital Group is requesting that members of the public only attend the ED in cases of genuine emergency and advising where possible to attend a GP, Southdoc out of hours or Urgent Care Centre in the first instance. Unfortunately, due to the very high numbers currently attending the ED there may be long delays for patients attending with minor ailments.
I wish to reassure people that while the hospital is exceptionally busy at present, patients are being seen, treated and cared for appropriately.
Staff and management are working to prioritise the discharge of patients and we would appreciate your assistance and co-operation.
The Hospital Group apologises for any inconvenience caused.
-Ends-
