Serious overcrowding at UHL has led to calls from the HSE that people consider all options before attending the Emergency Department.
There are 72 patients waiting for a bed at University Hospital Limerick this afternoon making it by far the most overcrowded in the country today.
47 of these are around the Emergency Department, while 25 are in overflow areas of wards.
It comes at the end of a very busy week for the Dooradoyle hospital which is currently managing high volumes of patients, including a surge in flu cases and a significant number of frail elderly patients with chronic conditions and complex care needs.
The 266 patients who attended the ED last Monday was the highest ever recorded for a single day. The pattern has continued all week, averaging at over 200 attendances per day.
Members of the public are urged to consider all their care options at this time and not to attend the Emergency Department unless necessary.
The Injury Unit in Nenagh Hospital is open from 8am to 8pm each day. Others with a less serious illness can be treated by their GP or out of hours GP service where their GP can refer them to an Assessment Unit the following day if required.
However, 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.
