The University of Limerick Hospitals Group (ULHG) is asking the public to consider other appropriate options before presenting the Emergency Department at UHL.
In a statement, ULHG said: “The Emergency Department (ED) at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) has been experiencing higher levels of attendance than normal than since the weekend (23rd and 24th of February) and is currently extremely busy.
UL Hospitals Group is appealing to members of the public to please consider all their care options before presenting to the ED at UHL.
Members of the public with a less serious illness can be treated by their GP or out of hours GP service where their GP can refer them to an Assessment Unit if required.”
A spokesman added: “However, if you are seriously injured or ill or are worried your life is at risk the ED will assess and treat you as a priority.
Our Injury Units in Ennis, Nenagh and St. John’s Hospitals are open from 8am to 8pm, and St John’s is open from 8am to 6pm. Injury Units are for the treatment of broken bones, dislocations, sprains strains, wounds, scalds and minor burns. More information on our Injury Units is available here.”
“We apologise to any patients who are experiencing long waits and we appreciate your co-operation while we prioritise treatment of the sickest patients attending our hospital,” the spokesman added.