Cork hospitals warn of delays for ED admissions while asking people to explore other options
Both hospitals asked people not requiring urgent care to explore other options.
Emergency services at Mercy University Hospital (MUH) and Cork University Hospital are under pressure and the hospitals have warned of delays for those attending the facility.
The Mercy University Hospital (MUH) Emergency Department (ED) is currently experiencing high demand due to a marked increase in the attendances of acutely ill patients and a surge in Covid-19 presentations.
This is in addition to caring for frail older persons with complex needs.
The Emergency Department at Cork University Hospital (CUH) is also exceptionally busy today, and over the last number of days, due to this increased level of activity and subsequent admissions.
The Mercy hospital released a statement stating the ED remained open 24/7 but said delays were inevitable.
Both hospitals asked people not requiring urgent care to explore other options.
The MUH statement said:
The Mercy University Hospital statement outlined the options available to unwell individuals.
“Patients with less urgent complaints are advised to contact their GPs in the first instance, or to avail of services at the Mercy Local Injury Unit, St Mary’s Health Campus in Gurranabraher, which is open from 8am to 6pm.
“The public are reminded that South Doc is also an option for those seeking medical attention outside of working hours.
“In addition to the Mercy Local Injury Unit, the Local Injury Unit at Bantry General Hospital operates between 8am and 7.30pm and the Local Injury Unit in Mallow General Hospital is open from 8am to 8pm.”
The Mercy University Hospital emphasized that the clinical needs of all ED patients were being met.
The CUH outlined the situation at their ED was being addressed by management and also acknowledged the hard work and dedication fo all the staff working throughout this busy period.
