MANAGEMENT at University Hospital Kerry are asking the public to, where appropriate, contact their pharmacy, GP or South Doc before presenting at the Emergency Department.

This is due to what they describe as “absolutely unprecedented levels of presentation over the past number of days” at the ED in the hospital.

“As a direct result of the volume of presentations, there is extreme strain on physical capacity within the Emergency Department itself and on bed capacity for those who require admission,” reads a statement from hospital management. “Our focus and priority is to ensure patient safety in the Department and throughout the hospital.”

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As of 10am this morning, there were 28 patients awaiting beds at the Emergency Department with a further 59 in ED awaiting review and over 200 inpatients throughout the hospital.

“Additionally there are Covid positive patients across a number of wards. The situation is further compounded by a Norovirus outbreak on three wards,” reads the statement.

“To ensure all patients receive the highest standards of care, mitigation measures are underway and daily review of the situation. Given the prevailing status of the hospital, we asking patients to only attend the ED in the event of an emergency. Where appropriate, we are requesting the public to contact Pharmacy / GPs/South Doc in the first instance and explore all other options available to them prior to presenting to the Emergency Department.’

“Where you do require to present with an emergency, please anticipate lengthy delays.
UHK would like to extend a very sincere ‘Thank You’ in anticipation of the public’s co-operation with these arrangements,” concludes the statement.