CUH warns of long ED waiting times for non-urgent cases

With the Cork University Hospital emergency department (ED) experiencing very high levels of activity, the HSE has warned that “non-urgent presentations will be waiting a long time”.

In a statement, the HSE urged people thinking of attending the ED to consider all alternative care options - including GPs, pharmacists and the SouthDoc out-of-hours services.

The HSE said that where there is a large volume of emergency department (ED) attendances, patients are prioritised in terms of clinical need and wait times for non-urgent care can be lengthy.

“With high number of presentations to the Emergency Department in recent days, HSE South West is reminding the public to consider all care options before travelling to the ED - including GPs, pharmacists and SouthDoc out-of-hours services,” they said.

“Anyone with an urgent or emergency care need should attend the emergency department, but we are asking anyone with a less serious condition to review all their options.

“All patients arriving to the ED are clinically assessed and seen in order of priority, so those with non-urgent presentations will be waiting a long time and are advised to seek alternative treatments where possible.” 

 Priscilla Lynch, HSE integrated area manager for Cork South and West, said the CUH team was working “incredibly hard at the moment” to ensure that those in most need of emergency care received it as quickly as possible.

“The public can help the hospital team by considering other trusted health services, such as GPs, SouthDoc, pharmacists, and injury units,” she said.

“As always, people who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised.

“The Urgent Virtual Care service is also a vital tool to help GPs assess patients and guide them to the right pathway – please consider this option if your GP recommends it for you.

“This regional telehealth service allows GPs and Paramedics to consult directly by phone, or by video call, with a senior medical decision-maker in emergency medicine or geriatric medicine. They can advise you if you need to attend the ED.” 

Jennifer Kearney, chief executive officer at CUH, said the hospital’s ED had been extremely busy in recent days, with very high numbers of people attending.

“The team will see anyone with a serious medical issue quickly, but anyone with a less urgent presentation should be aware that they may face a long wait time,” she said.

“We are asking the public to help us asking themselves if the ED is the right place for their care. If your GP, pharmacy, SouthDoc or an injury unit could provide support, please consider contacting them – they can all offer prompt and appropriate support.”