Cavan's Emergency Department dealing with 'unprecedented' numbers

Public urged not to attend unless absolutely necessary

Cavan General has renewed its appeal to the public not to attend the Emergency Department at the hospital unless absolutely necessary and has imposed strict visiting restrictions.

It follows a similar appeal earlier this week when management said the hospital was dealing with “multiple outbreaks” of Covid and Flu among patients.

Su-Zann O’Callaghan, General Manager at Cavan and Monaghan Hospital, has said this morning: "Our Emergency Department continues to experience unprecedented numbers of presentations and we urge people to utilise their GP if more appropriate."

She confirmed that staff continue to deal with multiple outbreaks of Covid and Flu in the hospitals and also at Lisdarn.

"Visiting is now restricted hospital wide and at the discretion of the nurse manager.

"We ask you all to assist us as we move through this challenging time. If patients have medical concerns that are not an emergency they should contact their GP or local pharmacy before attending ED.

"Thank you for your support," said Ms O'Callaghan.

Prior to last week, the hospital also reported that its ED was “exceptionally busy” and that anyone attending with a non-urgent condition would “experience very long wait times”.

To help free up beds, CGH asked for patients and families to work with them at the point of discharge and accept placements that may become immediately available”.