Covid leads to pressure on Cavan's Emergency Department

High numbers of patients presenting have brought pressure on services.

There are long delays at Cavan General Hospital's Emergency Department.

Management at the hospital has issued a message to local GPs warning it is "currently experiencing significantly high levels of activity with prolonged waiting times".

It's blamed Covid-19 and "a significant increase in the number of Covid positive patients presenting to and admitted to the hospital". It says this is "resulting in an increase in overall admissions".

"Please be advised that there are high numbers of patient presentations to the Emergency Department", the notice reads.

"All patients should be advised of significant delays and limited bed capacity at present."

Doctors are asked to explore "alternatives" for patients and ED referrals should "be explored as a priority".

It's the latest such notice issued by management at the hospital. A number of messages have been sent to GPs and members of the public over recent weeks due to increased pressure on the ED and hospital generally.