OVERCROWDING CRISIS CONTINUES AT UHG

Date Published: 24-Sep-2011

The overcrowding crisis at the emergency department at University Hospital Galway could worsen over the coming hours.

That’s the concern of HSE West management who say people are continuing to present at the A&E department, despite an appeal earlier today for people not to attend unless absolutely necessary.

A HSE spokesperson told Galway Bay FM News this afternoon that there are 24 people assessed and waiting for beds, but there are more people arriving at the department who have yet to be assessed.

Hospital managers took the unusual step of opening up the medical assessment unit earlier today – which normally opens Monday to Friday – in a bid to alleviate the overcrowding.

However the unit only treats 11 people at a time and it’s feared it won’t be enough this evening.

In the meantime, people are being urged to attend their GP rather than the emergency department.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation says staff shortages and bed closures are causing the overcrowding and they’re pleading with the Health Minister to allow the HSE hire in more staff, ahead of the winter months.