Public Advised of Delays at Our Lady of Lourdes Emergency Department
Ardee News and Sport –The public is being urged to avoid non-emergency visits to the Emergency Department at Our Lady of Lourdes (OLOL) Hospital in Drogheda due to ongoing pressures. Management have issued a warning that the department is experiencing significant delays, with the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) reporting 30 patients awaiting beds today.
In a statement, hospital management said the Emergency Department has been “extremely busy” in recent days due to a high number of patient presentations and admissions. The hospital is prioritising treatment and available beds for the most critically ill patients, resulting in longer wait times for others, particularly those with minor injuries.
Public Advised to Seek Alternative Services
Members of the public are advised to contact their GP or Out-of-Hours services as a first point of contact for non-urgent medical needs. Additionally, the Minor Injuries Unit at Louth County Hospital in Dundalk is open daily from 9am to 8pm and can provide treatment for less serious injuries.
The hospital’s full statement reads:
“Please be advised the Emergency Department in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital has remained extremely busy over the last few days. There are a high number of patient presentations & admissions to the Emergency Department.
The most critically ill patients are prioritised for treatment and available beds. As a result, some patients may experience delays in being seen. Patients attending with minor injuries will experience longer wait times in the Emergency Department.
In this regard, we would encourage the public to attend the Emergency Department for emergencies only at this time and would advise people to contact their GP or GP Out of Hours services in the first instance.
Whilst we ask the public to seek alternative services for non-urgent care, we want to reassure them that anyone who is seriously injured or ill, or worried their life may be at risk, should go to the emergency department without delay. We are still providing full emergency care if it is required.
The Minor Injuries Unit at Louth County Hospital Dundalk is open from 9am to 8pm daily. By attending the GP, pharmacy or injury unit if you can, you will help alleviate pressure in the Emergency Department.
Hospital Management wish to acknowledge the hard work, commitment and dedication of all staff at this time.”
Patients are being reassured that those with serious illnesses or injuries will continue to receive full emergency care. However, the hospital stresses that non-urgent cases should seek alternative care options to help reduce pressure on the Emergency Department.