Ambulances Diverted from Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda as Emergency Department Faces Overwhelming Pressure
Ardee News and Sport –Ambulances Diverted from Lourdes Hospital
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda faced significant strain over the weekend, prompting senior management to temporarily divert ambulances to other hospitals in the region. The move, implemented on Sunday afternoon, was aimed at alleviating the pressure on the hospital’s emergency department, which has been overwhelmed by a high volume of presentations and admissions.
Ambulance Delays and Temporary Bypass
Sources revealed that at one point early on Monday, ambulances were waiting over 300 minutes—five hours—with patients outside the emergency department due to a lack of available beds. In response to the dire situation, the hospital activated an ambulance bypass at approximately 3 p.m. on Sunday. For three hours, ambulances were redirected to facilities in Dublin, Meath, and Cavan to manage patient flow and provide relief to staff and patients in Drogheda.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed the move, describing it as a necessary step to address the escalating demand on emergency services.
Visiting Restrictions Implemented
In addition to the ambulance diversion, the hospital has introduced strict visiting restrictions to prevent infection and ensure patient safety. These measures include:
• A temporary ban on children visiting, except in exceptional circumstances.
• Limiting visitors to one person per patient at any given time.
• Advising visitors with any symptoms of illness to stay away.
The HSE has urged those planning to visit the hospital to make prior arrangements with the ward’s nurse in charge.
Public Advisory
The HSE also emphasized the need for the public to consider alternative healthcare options where possible, stating:
“The emergency department in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital remains very busy with a high number of presentations and admissions. We urge the public to use alternative services such as GP clinics, out-of-hours GP services, the Dundalk Injury Unit, and local pharmacies when appropriate. However, if patients are very sick or in an emergency situation, they should not hesitate to seek care at the emergency department.”
While the hospital is committed to treating all patients, the HSE reminded the public that the most critically ill patients are prioritized, and those with less severe conditions may experience longer waiting times.
Ongoing Challenges
The situation at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital highlights the continued strain on Ireland’s healthcare system, particularly during winter months when demand typically surges. Staff shortages, bed availability, and a spike in respiratory illnesses are compounding the challenges faced by hospitals nationwide.
The HSE anticipates that the pressure on the Drogheda hospital will persist in the coming days and continues to monitor the situation closely.
For now, the public is urged to remain patient, use alternative healthcare resources where possible, and adhere to the hospital’s visiting restrictions to support the efforts of healthcare workers in managing this crisis.