Public warned of 'significant delays' at Emergency Department in Cavan

Hospital still providing full emergency care if required

The public is once again being advised to avoid the Emergency Department of Cavan General Hospital as it is currently experiencing "significantly high levels of activity".

A statement from hospital management this morning confirmed that the local acute hospital facility is in 'Escalation' mode and patients should expect "significant delays".

A similar notice issued this day last week in an effort to ease pressure on the ED.

Three such memoranda were also sent out last month in respect of the hospital facility.

The latest statement was again issued in the name of Su-Zann O'Callaghan, General Manager, was issued to the media and GPs.

It read: 'There are high numbers of patient presentations to the Emergency Department.

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

The public and GPs are advised to explore alternative pathways to treatment.

'If any alternatives to an Emergency Department referral are available these should be explored as a priority. We are still providing full emergency care if it is required,' the statement concluded.

Ms O'Callaghan thanked everyone for their support.

Recent figures released showed that the number of people attending the Emergency Department at Cavan General rose by one per cent last year.

A total of 37,704 patients presenting in the local ED in 2023, compared to 37,308 the previous year.

There were 13 patients on trolleys in the ED in Cavan yesterday morning, according to the daily trolley count figures issued by the Irish Nurses and Midwives organisation.

They were among 546 admitted patients waiting for beds in hospitals and EDs nationwide yesterday.

Recently, the Celt reported that the number of additional beds, planned as part of a major extension at Cavan General Hospital, is set to be tripled to 58.