- Number of patients with COVID-19 in our hospitals is increasing
- As of today there are 1047 patients with COVID being treated in hospitals the highest number since 10th January 2022, when it was 1063.
St Patrick’s Day has always been a very busy day for Emergency Departments and given that this year we will have 2 bank holidays and a weekend together, the HSE is appealing to the public to consider all care options before attending our Emergency Departments, saving their use for those patients who need urgent and emergency care.
While the number of patients requiring ICU care has remained stable, it is important to note the impact on hospital services of the recent steady rise in admissions is extremely challenging, placing significant pressure on Emergency Departments and patient waiting times for admission to hospitals.
The latest validated figures show there are 101 COVID-19 outbreaks across hospitals and a further 595 outbreaks across community care services including nursing homes which are leading to bed and ward closures and delaying patient discharge from hospital care. This in turn is impacting hospitals’ ability to admit patients. EDs are also reporting a sharp increase in the number of patients presenting for treatment and care who, following treatment in the ED are discharged home. Some of these patients could have been treated at other healthcare services such as Injury Units, GP and GP out of Hour services and pharmacies.
Last week Emergency Departments recorded over 28,347 patient attendances, the highest on record. As always Emergency Departments will continue to see and treat patients who require urgent and emergency treatment first. Patients who attend EDs for routine and non-urgent treatment are being advised that they will experience long waiting times over the coming weekend and into early next week.
According to Anne O’Connor, Chief Operations Officer, HSE:
Anyone who suspects they may be facing an emergency situation should of course come to the Emergency Department and they will be seen and treated. However, we would ask those who may be in a non-urgent situation to help our staff through a challenging time by looking at other healthcare options where possible.
The HSE regrets this delay and are asking the public to help by:
- Considering all healthcare options before attending ED, including Injury Units, GP services and pharmacies
- Dialling 999 or 112 for emergency care without hesitation, but only if you feel an ambulance is necessary
- Continuing to wear face masks and maintaining good hand hygiene practices when attending hospitals
- Abiding by all infection control measures including visiting restrictions in hospitals and hospitals wards
As always if you or someone else is seriously ill or needs urgent emergency care, do not delay going to ED or dialling 999/112 for help.
Help support Cork Safety Alerts by becoming a member – Click Here