Cavan's Emergency Department dealing with 'unprecedented' numbers

Staff dealing with 'multiple outbreaks' of Covid and Flu

Cavan General has once again issued an urgent appeal to the public not to attend its Emergency Department unless absolutely necessary.

It comes as the ED continues to experience "unprecedented numbers of presentations" and medical staff are dealing with "multiple outbreaks" of Covid and Flu at Cavan and Monaghan hospitals.

In a statement issued this morning, hospital management say: "We urge people to utilise their GP if more appropriate."

Although, most GPs open today are only dealing with urgent appointments post Christmas.

Those trying to access the North East Doc on Call (NEDOC) out of hours service in recent days are also reporting difficulty getting through to the service and waiting up to six hours for appointments.

In a statement this morning, Laura Waters, Director of Operations at Cavan and Monaghan Hospitals, said: "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."

In appeals issued in recent weeks, hospital management have warned that those attending ED will experience "very long wait times".

To help free up beds, CGH is asking patients and families to work with them at the point of discharge to accept placements that become available.