Reductions in Scheduled Care Extended to Ennis, Nenagh, St John’s and Croom Orthopaedic Hospitals
- Most Elective Care At UHL Deferred Until Further Notice As Emergency and Time-Critical Care Prioritised
(LIMERICK 25.03.2022): WIDESPREAD deferrals of elective activity across UL Hospitals Group are to continue into next week as hospital services continue to manage a surge in emergency presentations and an increase in Covid-19 activity.
Following a meeting of the Hospital Crisis Management Team this Friday, the decision has also been made to defer, effective from Monday, March 28th, almost all scheduled care at Ennis Hospital, Nenagh Hospital, St John’s Hospital and Croom Orthopaedic Hospital. This includes all patients planning to attend these hospitals for outpatient appointments, elective surgery (day case and inpatient) and endoscopy. Patients are advised not to attend for their appointments/procedures unless contacted directly by staff and advised otherwise.
Services at University Maternity Hospital Limerick are unaffected by these cancellations and women are advised to attend for their appointments.
Almost all elective activity at University Hospital Limerick – including outpatient appointments, elective surgery and diagnostic investigations – remains deferred until further notice as the hospital manages a sustained surge in emergency presentations, a significant increase in Covid-19 activity and an increase in the numbers of staff unavailable related to Covid-19.
We sincerely regret this significant reduction in service across our hospitals, which is necessary to prioritise emergency and time-critical care for the sickest patients in the MidWest. Affected patients will be contacted as soon as possible to reschedule their appointments and procedures. This decision is being kept under review daily.
The Emergency Department at UHL remains open 24-7 for emergency cases and emergency and trauma surgery is continuing. Injury Units and Medical Assessment Units (GP referral only) continue to operate as normal at Ennis Hospital, Nenagh Hospital and St John’s Hospital. Trauma surgery continues at Croom Orthopaedic Hospital.
There are a limited number of exceptions to the cancellations. Appointments which are going ahead at this time include:
- Cancer services (oncology and haematology day ward; haematology and oncology OPD clinics; medical oncology clinics; rapid access clinics for breast, lung and prostate) (UHL)
- Dialysis (UHL)
- Fracture Clinic (UHL)
- Paediatric Outpatient clinics (UHL)
- Endoscopy (UHL)
- OPAT (antibiotic therapy) (UHL)
- Bronscoscopy (UHL)
- DVT (UHL)
- Warfarin (UHL)
Visiting restrictions remain in place at UHL and at Nenagh Hospital as we continue to manage high volumes of patients who are positive for Covid-19. The ban on visitors also applies to patients attending the Emergency Department at UHL.
The only exceptions are:
- parents visiting children in hospital
- people assisting confused patients; for example, dementia
- visiting on compassionate grounds; for example, for patients who are critically unwell or at end of life
Exemptions are limited to one person per patient and will be looked at on a case-by-case basis.
As an alternative to attending ED we urge everyone to first consider the care options that are available in their own communities, including family doctors, out-of-hours GP services, and local pharmacies.
The Local Injury Units at Ennis and Nenagh Hospitals (8am-8pm daily), and St John’s Hospital (8am-7pm, daily) are an excellent option for treatment of broken bones, dislocations, sprains, strains, wounds, scalds and minor burns, without a lengthy wait that can be expected in the ED at this time.
However, please note that if you are seriously injured or ill or are worried your life is at risk, the ED will assess and treat you as a priority.