Delays at Cavan Emergency Department as nurses report 14 on trolleys

Public asked to stay away except in cases of genuine emergency

The general public are being warned of delays at the Emergency Department at Cavan General Hospital and asked not to attend except in cases of real and genuine emergency.

Hospital management issued a statement this afternoon to GPs, the general public and the media.

It read: 'Our Emergency Department is experiencing high numbers of presentations of admissions, we are now in escalation.

'We ask you to assist us as we move through this challenging time by supporting our hospital facilities. Please avoid hospital (ED) referrals where possible and use alternative pathways where available, ensuring the Emergency Department is reserved for emergency presentations.'

The statement was issued in the name of Su-Zann O’Callaghan, General Manager, Cavan & Monaghan Hospital who thanked doctors and the public for their support.

Several such appeals have been issued by hospital management at various times in recent months, particularly at the height of the Winter flu season.

Patients on trolleys

The appeal comes as the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) reported 14 patients on trolleys at Cavan General Hospital this morning (Monday).

They were among 631 patients on trolleys in Irish hospitals this morning, according to the INMO's daily trolley count.

Commenting on today’s figures, INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said:

“As predicted, it has been an incredibly busy weekend across all hospital sites. Over 631 patients are without beds today.

“It is unacceptable that 140 patients are on trolleys in inappropriate bed spaces on hospital wards. The HSE must direct hospitals to cancel electives and concentrate on the de-escalation of trolleys from understaffed and overburdened wards.

“It is obvious that in times of severe overcrowding such as this weekend and going into the week ahead, that our public hospital system cannot provide both safe emergency and elective care. The provision of safe care must be the priority.”