Emergency Department at Mayo University Hospital extremely busy today

THE Emergency Department at Mayo University Hospital is extremely busy today.

The situation has been exacerbated by the rising Covid-19 cases in the community along with a Covid-19 outbreak on the site.

Hospital teams are working to manage the current in-patient and Covid-19 bed capacity.

However, there are a high number of patients waiting to be admitted to the hospital and the Emergency Department (ED) is extremely busy.

A statement issued from the hospital today outlined: "We are asking the public not to attend at our ED unless they require urgent treatment and to contact Westdoc GP Out of Hours service on 0818 360000 in the first instance if their health problem is not urgent.

"In addition, the Injury Unit in Roscommon University Hospital is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over five years of age. The unit can be reached on 090 663 2212

"For people with signs of a heart attack, stroke or other serious medical emergency, please come to the ED or call 999 or 112.

"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 attending the Emergency Department, we regret there will be delays and long wait times for those who do not need urgent treatment.

"Please help our staff to focus on our patients who need us most.

"As part of the hospital’s Covid-19 measures, we ask that patients wait in the ED alone to help maintain social distancing.

"A companion will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances. This is to minimise the risk of infection and to keep everyone safe. We remind patients to please wear a face covering/mask when in the ED and to comply with any Covid-19 screening processes."