Escalation notice issued for Cavan ED

By attending the GP, Pharmacy or injury unit patients can, will help alleviate pressures in the Emergency Department.

Cavan General Hospital’s Emergency Department is currently experiencing "significantly high levels" of new patient activity and is in a state of escalation.

The latest update was provided by HSE Dublin & North East.

The last escalation, issued earlier this month, was caused by an increased number of patient presentations, including a notable rise in gastroenteritis (suspected Norovirus) related cases.

The latest escalation means that the most critically ill patients are being "prioritised for treatment and available beds. "As a result some patients may experience delays in being seen. Patients attending with minor injuries will experience longer wait times in the Emergency Department.

"In this regard, we would encourage the public to attend the Emergency Department for emergencies only at this time and would advise people to contact their GP or GP Out of Hours services in the first instance. We are still providing full emergency care if it is required."

The Minor Injuries Unit at Monaghan Hospital is also open from 8am to 8pm daily.

By attending the GP, Pharmacy or injury unit patients can, will help alleviate pressures in the Emergency Department.

"Hospital management would like to acknowledge the hard work, commitment and dedication of all staff," said the statement.