University Hospital Galway Emergency Department Issues Overcrowding Warning After Halloween Weekend Surge
University Hospital Galway (UHG) issued a public warning regarding severe pressure on its emergency department, with over 400 patients presenting at the unit over the Halloween weekend. The volume was split almost evenly between Saturday and Sunday. The hospital stated that the surge is exacerbated by high levels of circulating respiratory illnesses, including influenza and COVID-19.
In response to the capacity strain, UHG is reviewing elective procedures. Hospital management confirmed that urgent and time-sensitive procedures are being prioritized while the emergency department remains under pressure.
INMO Reports Record October Overcrowding Numbers
The INMO recorded October as the worst October on record for overcrowding at the city hospital. Figures released by the union show that more than 1,100 patients went without a bed during the month. This total marks a ten-year high and represents an increase of more than 70 percent compared to 2016.
On the morning of the advisory, INMO data indicated that nearly 70 patients were being treated on trolleys. Phil Ní Sheaghdha, INMO general secretary, stated that patients treated on trolleys or chairs face worse health outcomes than those admitted to beds.
It’s simply disgraceful that patients are being left to languish for hours or days in brightly-lit corridors without privacy or any comfort,
Ms. Ní Sheaghdha said.
Union Criticizes Recruitment Freezes and Health Service Investment
The INMO leadership directed criticism at government policy, pointing to the HSE decision to halt recruitment into existing vacant posts. Ms. Ní Sheaghdha argued that freezing recruitment prevents hospitals from increasing bed capacity and expanding services.
Running a health service is an investment in our society,
she stated, adding that treating recruitment and staff retention as a state burden disconnects authorities from healthcare workers and patients.
The union called for an immediate reversal of the Department of Health decision to cease recruitment, emphasizing that safe staffing levels are essential to prevent staff and services from being run down.
Frequently Asked Questions About the UHG Emergency Department Pressure
Why is University Hospital Galway experiencing severe emergency department pressure?
UHG reported that more than 400 people presented at the emergency department over the Halloween weekend, alongside high levels of respiratory illnesses such as flu and COVID-19.
How many patients were recorded on trolleys during the advisory?
The INMO reported that nearly 70 patients were waiting on trolleys at the facility on the morning of the advisory.
What actions is the hospital taking to manage the surge?
UHG is actively reviewing its elective procedures to prioritize urgent and time-sensitive medical care.
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