‘Lengthy delays’ at Tallaght University Hospital’s ED

TALLAGHT University Hospital has this morning advised the public of long wait times in its emergency department due to a high number of attendances and admissions.

The hospital has asked the public to ‘consider alternative care options’ before attending ED, as those with less urgent complaints will experience long wait times.

A hospital spokesperson said: “The hospital is experiencing a high number of attendances at its Emergency Department (ED) with high attendances and high rates of admissions which puts pressure on the ED and also the hospital as there is a shortage of beds.

“We are committed to treating everyone who presents to our ED however, we do so strictly in order of medical priority.

“Given the volume of patients currently attending the ED, we regret there are lengthy delays and long wait times for those who do not need urgent treatment.

“We are asking the public to consider alternative care options before attending the ED as unfortunately people with less urgent complaints will experience long wait times.”

The spokesperson added: “The hospital regrets any delay a patient of any age experiences whilst waiting in our ED, patients are prioritised according to clinical need.

“We thank the public for their cooperation in this regard.”

According to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), there are 38 people waiting on trolleys in Tallaght University Hospital this morning.

Nationally, 547 admitted patients are waiting for beds this morning, 410 of whom are waiting in emergency departments with 137 people on trolleys across wards.