Urgent Update: University Hospital Galway Faces Overcrowding Crisis

URGENT UPDATE: University Hospital Galway (UHG) is experiencing a critical situation in its Emergency Department (ED) today, with an alarming surge in patient attendances. As of this morning, there are 97 patients in the ED, and 31 patients are currently on trolleys, awaiting admission to inpatient beds.

The hospital has reported extremely high volumes over the past several days, and officials anticipate further pressure as the bank holiday weekend approaches. In response to this crisis, UHG has announced the postponement of some elective procedures to prioritize urgent, time-sensitive cases.

Maria Molloy, Deputy Hospital Manager, is urging the public to consider all available healthcare options before heading to the ED. “We are committed to treating everyone who is seriously injured or ill as a priority,” she stated. However, she cautioned that those with non-urgent needs may face significantly longer wait times.

Yesterday alone, 305 individuals visited the A&E, further straining hospital resources. The current situation highlights the urgent need for the community to assess their healthcare requirements carefully, as the hospital continues to prioritize critical cases.

Authorities are actively communicating with patients whose elective procedures have been postponed, ensuring they are informed of the changes. As the holiday weekend nears, local residents are reminded to seek alternative healthcare solutions when possible to alleviate pressure on the ED.

This developing situation at UHG underscores the challenges faced by hospitals during peak times and the importance of community awareness in managing healthcare demands. Stay tuned for updates as this story evolves.