HIQA are expected to visit University Limerick today as the overcrowding crisis continues. The Health Regulatory body has previously inspected the ED and found that the service provided did not meet acceptable standards. Some outpatient clinics at the hospital have been cancelled today and hospital wide visiting restriction are in place given the number of patients with Covid19, flu and RSV infections on site and also a number of infection outbreaks. Appointments deemed time-critical will go ahead. Patients affected by the cancellations in Limerick are being contacted directly by hospital staff. Patients who are not contacted by phone or by text to cancel their appointment are advised to attend.
Similarly, in TUH in Clonmel visiting restrictions are in place until January 16th.
Yesterday there were more than 931 admitted patients nationally on trolleys or chairs waiting for a hospital bed, the highest number since records began in 2006 according to INMO data. The number includes 26 children admitted to hospital but unable to get a bed. 97 of these patients were in UHL – 61 on trolleys and a further 36 accommodated by added a trolley to a ward. There were 18 patients on trolleys in TUH Clonmel.
The cabinet is to meet today and will discuss the pressures on the Health service which is expected to increase in the coming weeks as respiratory virus infections increase. Healthcare professionals are calling for a reintroduction of mandatory mask wearing to help reduce transmission levels.
