Members of the public are being asked to attend the Emergency Department at University Hospital Waterford only if it’s a genuine emergency.

The ED is currently experiencing significant overcrowding.

Management is advising people to contact their GP or Caredoc service first.

However, they are reassuring people that anyone who is seriously injured or ill that they will be assessed and treated as a priority.

The hospital issued a statement this evening:

“The Emergency Department (ED) at University Hospital Waterford (UHW) is currently experiencing significant overcrowding. Presentations to the Emergency Department have increased and these patients have a variety of complex needs.

Management at the hospital is asking members of the public to only attend in the case of a genuine emergency, advising that, where possible, a GP or Caredoc out of hours service be consulted in the first instance. We are asking people to think about all their care and treatment options and keep our ED services for the patients who need them most.

However, if members of the public are seriously injured or ill or are worried that your life is at risk the ED will assess and treat you as a priority.

Staff and management are working to prioritise the discharge of patients as soon as possible where appropriate.

The management at UHW apologises for any inconvenience caused, but be assured that all clinical staff are working to manage patient flow within the hospital.”