UHL asks patients to avoid Emergency Department

UNIVERSITY  Hospital Limerick is asking patients to consider other treatment options before travelling to the Emergency Department.

A spokesperson for University Hospital Limerick said they have been experiencing a high number of patients attending the ED in recent days.

“We have admitted a lot of seriously ill patients recently, many of who remain in the ED awaiting a bed.

“We are asking people to think about all their care and treatment options and keep ED services for the patients who need them most,” the spokesperson added.

UHL asked those with limb injuries etc. to go to an Injury Unit in Ennis, Nenagh or St John’s Hospital.

Injury Units are open in Ennis and Nenagh Hospitals from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Sunday and 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday at St. John’s Hospital.

Others with a less serious illness can be treated by their GP or out of hours GP service where their GP can refer them to an Assessment Unit the following day if required.

“However, 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,” the spokesperson added.