Overcrowding crisis at St Luke’s, surgery cancelled, 35 on trolleys

MANAGEMENT at St Luke’s General Hospital have urged the public to stay away from the A&E department unless they require “urgent care” following a surge in admissions over the weekend.

Overcrowding levels at St Luke’s were the second highest of any hospital in the country this morning, with 35 patients left waiting for a bed, according to latest figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) trolley watch.

Only University Hospital Limerick (57) recorded higher levels of overcrowding than our local hospital.

The crisis has forced St Luke’s to cancel some elective surgery procedures scheduled for today.

Management said there was a surge in the numbers of people attending the A&E department over the weekend, many of whom were suffering from respiratory problems.

The hospital urged people only to attend the emergency department if they are seriously ill or require “urgent care”.