Surge capacity opened at University Hospital Limerick due to 'unprecedented level of demand'

HSE Mid West is advising patients and members of the public that University Hospital Limerick is currently experiencing an unprecedented level of demand.

Patients and members from Clare and elsewhere are being urged to consider all care options before presenting at the Emergency Department at UHL.

In a statement, HSE Mid West says doctors and staff at UHL have been caring for an exceptionally high number of unwell medical patients in the hospital, which recorded its highest ever level of ED presentations (325) on Monday.

Surge capacity has been opened at UHL and scheduled activity in UHL and across all sites is under constant review, with the exception of urgent and time-critical patients, including cancer patients.

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"We apologise to anyone who is currently experiencing long waits for admission to University Hospital Limerick in recent days. The ED remains open 24/7 and urgent care is being delivered to those who need it most. However, anyone who comes to ED who doesn’t have a life-threatening or severe illness or injury will face a significant wait," said a spokesperson for HSE Mid West.

"We encourage the public across Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary to make use of all available alternatives to ED, including local pharmacies for minor ailments; family doctors and out-of-hours GP services; and the Injury Units at Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s Hospitals.

"We thank the public for their patience at this time of exceptionally high demand for hospital services, and ask them to continue supporting us in ensuring emergency care is prioritised for the sickest, most seriously injured and frailest patients," he added.