Elective surgeries halted as 568 patients use Letterkenny A&E over weekend

All elective surgeries at Letterkenny University Hospital have been postponed today because of severe overcrowding in the Emergency Department (ED).

The hospital reported that 568 patients attended the ED over the weekend, leaving 27 patients waiting for beds and filling every surge‑capacity area, including the Acute Medical Assessment Unit and the Day Services Unit.

A hospital spokesperson said measures are being taken to improve patient flow and asked the public to consider alternative healthcare options where possible. “Everyone who presents will be treated, with priority given to those who are seriously ill or injured,” the spokesperson added, noting that patients with non‑urgent conditions may face longer waits.

Patients are advised to contact their GP or GP out‑of‑hours service for non‑emergency issues, and to use community pharmacists for minor illnesses. A new Common Conditions Service now allows pharmacists to supply prescription‑only medication for conditions such as allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, uncomplicated urinary tract infection and vaginal thrush, with details on the HSE website.

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: Pixabay / Pexels.