University Hospital Galway Manages COVID and Flu Outbreaks Amid Severe Bed Shortages
The Emergency Department remains exceptionally busy, forcing hospital leadership to deploy significant additional surge beds to manage incoming patients. As of the morning report, a total of 34 patients are waiting on trolleys either in the Emergency Department or at the ward level.
Operational Impact and Patient Flow Measures
Hospital officials confirmed that every available bed is currently in use, resulting in prolonged wait times for individuals transitioning from the Emergency Department to inpatient wards. To protect urgent care delivery, University Hospital Galway has begun postponing select elective procedures while prioritizing time-sensitive and critical cases.
Leadership stated that staff are making every possible effort to discharge medically cleared patients promptly to free up capacity. Management apologized for the distress and inconvenience these delays cause patients and their families.
In response to the surge, the hospital urged the public to explore alternative healthcare pathways before visiting the Emergency Department. Officials recommend consulting a local general practitioner or an out-of-hours service first. Additionally, the Roscommon Injury Unit operates daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM to treat a wide array of injuries for both adults and children over the age of five.
Community Resources and Expanded Pharmacy Services
Patients dealing with minor health concerns are encouraged to utilize community pharmacists, who offer expert advice and over-the-counter treatments. Under an expanded healthcare initiative, pharmacists can now supply prescription-only medications for specific common conditions without requiring a prior GP visit.
Eligible conditions under this pharmacy service include:
- Allergic rhinitis
- Cold sores
- Conjunctivitis
- Impetigo
- Oral thrush
- Shingles
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (cystitis)
- Vaginal thrush
Hospital representatives emphasized that everyone who presents to the Emergency Department will be evaluated, with priority strictly reserved for those suffering from severe illness or critical injuries.
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