Emergency Department at Cork University Hospital

HSE South West is cautioning that the Emergency Department at Cork University Hospital continues to experience very high levels of activity, with long waiting times for some patients.

With high number of presentations to the Emergency Department in recent days, HSE South West is reminding the public to consider all care options before travelling to the ED - including GPs, pharmacists and SouthDoc out-of-hours services. Anyone with an urgent or emergency care need should attend the Emergency Department, but we are asking anyone with a less serious condition to review all their options.

Staff at the CUH ED prioritise patients in terms of clinical need, and at the moment, wait times for non-urgent care may be lengthy. All patients arriving to the ED are clinically assessed and seen in order of priority, so those with non-urgent presentations will be waiting a long time and are advised to seek alternative treatments where possible.

HSE Integrated Area Manager for Cork South and West Priscilla Lynch said:

“Our team at the CUH is working incredibly hard at the moment to make sure that those in most need of emergency care receive it as quickly as possible. The public can help the hospital team by considering other trusted health services, such as GPs, SouthDoc, pharmacists, and injury units. As always, people who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised. The Urgent Virtual Care service is also a vital tool to help GPs assess patients and guide them to the right pathway – please consider this option if your GP recommends it for you. This regional telehealth service allows GPs and Paramedics to consult directly by phone, or by video call, with a senior medical decision-maker in Emergency Medicine or Geriatric Medicine. They can advise you if you need to attend the ED..”

Chief Executive Officer at Cork University Hospital Jennifer Kearney, said:

“The Emergency Department at CUH has been extremely busy in recent days, with very high numbers of people attending. The team will see anyone with a serious medical issue quickly, but anyone with a less urgent presentation should be aware that they may face a long wait time. We are asking the public to help us asking themselves if the ED is the right place for their care. If your GP, pharmacy, SouthDoc or an injury unit could provide support, please consider contacting them – they can all offer prompt and appropriate support.”