University Hospital Limerick Group is to continue with cancellation of day surgeries in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s Hospital until the end of the week as the hospitals continue to be operating at above capacity. Hospital Management says the surge in cases of respiratory infection in the community has not yet reached its peak.
Reductions in elective surgery at UHL and at Croom Orthopaedic Hospital also remain in force. All patients affected by cancellations are being contacted directly by staff. Outpatient appointments are going ahead as scheduled on all sites this week and patients are advised to attend.
As a temporary measure, medical assessment units at St John’s and Nenagh hospitals have moved from a five to a seven-day week to allow for additional GP referrals for medical assessment. Ennis Hospital MAU already operates seven days per week. Members of the public are reminded that patients cannot be seen at the MAUs without a referral. Staff in the acute and community sector are also working on a seven day model and this is speeding up discharges.
Visiting restrictions remain in place at UHL with limited exceptions and the public are asked to consider all healthcare options before attending our ED. Patients who are seriously injured or unwell or who are worried their life is in danger must dial 112/999 or attend the ED.
Less acutely unwell patients are asked to first consider using Injury Units, GPs, out-of-hours GP services and pharmacists before attending the Emergency Department.
