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<\/p>\nHospital management are asking people with non-emergency health concerns to consider other healthcare options where possible<\/p>\n
A sign ‘Emergency Department’ seen outside the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital in Dublin during Level 5 Covid-19 lockdown.
\nOn Thursday, 4 March, 2021, in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Artur Widak\/NurPhoto via Getty Images)(Image: )<\/p>\n
Emergency Departments in Hospitals across the HSE<\/a> Dublin and Midlands Region are experiencing a significant increase in the number of patients presenting for care, leading to long wait times.<\/a><\/p>\n The HSE said that the presentations include many patients with viral infections.<\/a> As a result, there are long waits for admission to an inpatient bed.<\/p>\n The HSE said they are working hard to make sure that those who need emergency care are prioritised. Hospital management are asking people with non-emergency health concerns to consider other healthcare options.<\/p>\n Paul Ridgeway, interim regional clinical director for HSE Dublin<\/a> and Midlands, said:, \u201cWe have been working hard to ensure patients who need emergency care are prioritised while responding to the additional pressures associated with respiratory illness at this time of year.”<\/p>\n “Unfortunately, people attending with less serious illness or injury will experience longer waiting times. We are working with our community health services to ensure that those patients who can be treated in alternative services are seen and avoid hospital admission and that a continuous focus remains on patient flow through our hospitals.\u201d<\/p>\n Hospital management are asking people with non-emergency health concerns to consider other healthcare options where possible, including:<\/p>\n They ask that if you have symptoms of a viral illness, you do not attend a hospital. Due to the high number of patients with viral illnesses and ongoing infection control requirements, hospital visiting is currently restricted across a number of sites.<\/p>\n On some hospital sites and wards, only compassionate visits are permitted. Please check your local hospital at HSE Disruptions<\/a> for the latest guidance before attending.<\/p>\n “However, if you or someone you know requires emergency care, do not delay. The Emergency Department will continue to see all urgent cases, and anyone experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or stroke should call 999 or 112 immediately,” said a HSE statement.<\/p>\n Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click<\/strong> this link<\/strong> <\/a>to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content.<\/strong> We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n