SIGNIFICANT REDUCTIONS in elective care at hospitals in the Mid-West remain in place.
UL Hospitals Group continue to have a widespread deferral of elective activity which is to continue into next week and effects Ennis Hospital, Nenagh, St John’s and Croom Orthopaedic Hospitals.
Once again, the hospitals are experiencing a surge in emergency presentations and an increase in COVID-19 activity.
On Friday, the Hospital’s Crisis Management Team made a decision to defer from Monday (March 28th) almost all scheduled care at Ennis Hospital, Nenagh Hospital, St John’s Hospital and Croom Orthopaedic Hospital. This includes all patients planning to attend these hospitals for outpatient appointments, elective surgery (day case and inpatient) and endoscopy. Patients are advised not to attend for their appointments/procedures unless contacted directly by staff and advised otherwise.
Services at University Maternity Hospital Limerick are unaffected by these cancellations and women are advised to attend for their appointments.
Almost all elective activity at University Hospital Limerick – including outpatient appointments, elective surgery and diagnostic investigations – remains deferred until further notice as the hospital manages a sustained surge in emergency presentations, a significant increase in Covid-19 activity and an increase in the numbers of staff unavailable related to Covid-19.
The Emergency Department at UHL remains open 24-7 for emergency cases and emergency and trauma surgery is continuing. Injury Units and Medical Assessment Units (GP referral only) continue to operate as normal at Ennis Hospital, Nenagh Hospital and St John’s Hospital. Trauma surgery continues at Croom Orthopaedic Hospital.
There are a limited number of exceptions to the cancellations. Appointments which are going ahead at this time include:
Cancer services (oncology and haematology day ward; haematology and oncology OPD clinics; medical oncology clinics; rapid access clinics for breast, lung and prostate) (UHL)
- Dialysis (UHL)
- Fracture Clinic (UHL)
- Paediatric Outpatient clinics (UHL)
- Endoscopy (UHL)
- OPAT (antibiotic therapy) (UHL)
- Bronscoscopy (UHL)
- DVT (UHL)
- Warfarin (UHL)
Visiting restrictions remain in place at UHL and at Nenagh Hospital due to high volumes of patients who are positive for Covid-19. The ban on visitors also applies to patients attending the Emergency Department at UHL.
The only exceptions are, parents visiting children in hospital, people assisting confused patients; for example, dementia and visiting on compassionate grounds; for example, for patients who are critically unwell or at end of life. Exemptions are limited to one person per patient and will be looked at on a case-by-case basis.
A spokesperson for UL Hospitals Group explained, “As an alternative to attending ED we urge everyone to first consider the care options that are available in their own communities, including family doctors, out-of-hours GP services, and local pharmacies. The Local Injury Units at Ennis and Nenagh Hospitals (8am-8pm daily), and St John’s Hospital (8am-6pm, Monday to Friday) are an excellent option for treatment of broken bones, dislocations, sprains, strains, wounds, scalds and minor burns, without a lengthy wait that can be expected in the ED at this time. However, please note that if you are seriously injured or ill or are worried your life is at risk, the ED will assess and treat you as a priority”.
