Sligo University Hospital under significant pressure due to 5 COVID outbreaks and high ED attendances

Sligo University Hospital (SUH) is under significant pressure due to COVID outbreaks and high numbers of people attending the Emergency Department.

SUH is managing five COVID outbreaks and the public are asked to be extra vigilant if visiting the hospital. Do not visit the hospital if you are feeling unwell.  

In addition to these pressures, the Emergency Department has seen very high attendances the past few days and they apologise to anyone waiting a long time to be seen.

Emergency Departments are for people with a serious injury or life-threatening emergency. 

We are committed to treating everyone who presents at our ED but we do so strictly in order of medical priority, a spokesperson said.

"We continue to request that people consider other options for non-emergency care such as Out of Hours GP and pharmacies before attending an ED," they added.

Roscommon Injury Unit is open from 8am to 8pm every day, including Christmas Day, and treats breaks, sprains, minor wounds and burns for patients over 5 years old.

All available beds in the hospital are in use and every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds will become available for patients who need to be admitted.

Grainne McCann, Hospital Manager SUH said, “We know that at this time of year people make an extra effort to visit their loved ones in hospital, but unfortunately there is a risk that some visitors will bring infectious illnesses into the hospital and put our vulnerable patients at risk.

“I am urging the public not to visit the hospital if you are feeling unwell. If you have symptoms like a sore throat, cough, temperature or shortness of breath please do not visit the hospital to help keep our patients safe.

“Everyone coming to the hospital should follow public health guidance and use hand gel regularly during their visit, remember your cough etiquette and if needed, masks are available for use throughout the hospital.”