Letterkenny hospital remains under 'significant pressure'

Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) remains under significant pressure as a result of high attendances along with Covid-19 and flu outbreaks at the hospital.

Staff at the hospital is also dealing with outbreaks of Covid-19 and flu across eight wards or departments.  There are currently forty-eight Covid-19 patients being treated, with a further 28 patients being treated for flu and 4 for RSV. Restricted visitor access remains for outbreak wards. To arrange a visit to these wards, please contact the ward manager in advance.

There were 144 attendances at the Emergency Department yesterday, Thursday, December 29. As of 2pm today, Friday, December 30, there are 31 patients awaiting admission in the Emergency Department.  Many of those attending need to be admitted for ongoing treatment which is leading to pressure on bed availability. 

All available beds are in use. Every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds will become available for patients who need to be admitted, at the earliest opportunity. Staff at LUH is committed to treating everyone who presents at the Emergency Department.

NoWDOC calls for patience ahead of what is expected to be a busy weekend

The service is expecting a high volume of calls again this weekend

People who are seriously injured or ill are assessed and treated as a priority. Those who do not require urgent care will be waiting longer.

Those at the hospital acknowledge that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologise for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause. If your health problem is not an emergency you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours or the GP out of hours service, in the first instance. 

Letterkenny University Hospital fourth most overcrowded this December

INMO warns of what could be a severe overcrowding crisis in hospitals in coming weeks

Given the pressures on the hospital, we are appealing to the public not visit the hospital if you have any symptoms of flu or Covid-19 or feel unwell. Visitors are asked to follow all infection precaution measures including cleaning hands regularly during their time in the hospital, wear a mask and do not use the patient toilets on wards or ensuites.