HSE appeal as Emergency Dept under extreme pressure

The HSE is urging members of the public to avoid attending the Emergency Department at UHG today unless absolutely necessary.
The so-called ‘Full Capacity Protocol’ has been implemented at the hospital as staff struggle to deal with overcrowding. Figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation show there are 35 people waiting on trolleys at UHG today.
In a statement, the HSE says significant numbers of patients are currently awaiting admission to the hospital.
Management says efforts are continuing to identify patients who are appropriate for discharge.
The public is being advised to attend the Emergency Department only in the case of real emergencies, and to contact their GP in the first instance.