Management at Sligo University Hospital have confirmed that the facility is under significant pressure due to COVID outbreaks and high numbers of people attending the Emergency Department. Hospital management say they are currently managing five COVID outbreaks, and as a result, members of the public are asked to be extra vigilant if visiting.
Anyone feeling unwell is requested not to attend the facility if visiting family or friends. The Emergency Department has witnessed a very high attendance rate over the past few days which has led to long delays before patients have been attended to.
Reminders have been issued stating that Emergency Departments are for people with a serious injury or life-threatening emergency. The Hospital says they are committed to treating everyone who presents in the ED but patients will be seen strictly in order of medical priority.
The public has been asked to consider other options for non-emergency care such as Out of Hours GP and pharmacies before attending an ED. 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.
Grainne Mc Cann, Hospital Manager at Sligo University Hospital has warned that there is a risk that some visitors will bring infectious illnesses into the hospital and putting vulnerable patients at risk.
