The hospital witnessed one of its busiest days on Monday, with 209 individuals seeking urgent medical attention. The numbers slightly eased to 155 on the following day, yet today’s figures suggest a continuing trend of high attendance. As of now, 38 patients are in the ED, with 16 awaiting admission due to the lack of available beds.

Patients at the hospital are experiencing prolonged waiting times for admission from the ED to the hospital wards. Saolta Healthcare Group has acknowledged the situation and is making concerted efforts to discharge those who are well enough to return home. This measure aims to free up beds for incoming patients who require urgent care.

Amid these operational challenges, the hospital maintains a strict policy of treating patients based on the severity of their medical needs. “The hospital recognizes the difficulties these delays pose to patients and their families and extends its apologies for the distress caused,” a spokesperson from Saolta stated.

In addition to managing the Covid-19 outbreak within the hospital, efforts are being directed towards minimizing potential virus transmission. Currently, ten patients are isolated and receiving treatment for Covid-19 in a designated ward. To protect both patients and staff, the hospital has imposed strict limitations on visitations to this ward, requiring all visits to be pre-arranged with the hospital’s management.

Saolta urges the public to avoid visiting the hospital if they exhibit any respiratory symptoms or have been in contact with a Covid-19 positive individual. They also encourage those with non-emergency health concerns to seek alternative care options such as out-of-hours GP services or local pharmacies.

Visitors are required to wear face masks and use hand sanitizer stations throughout the hospital. Hospital management emphasizes the importance of these measures to prevent further spread.

The hospital management is closely monitoring the situation and working to contain the outbreak. Norovirus, often referred to as the “winter vomiting bug,” is highly contagious and causes vomiting and diarrhoea. Covid-19 continues to be a significant concern, particularly in healthcare settings.

New Covid-19 Variant JN.1 Circulates in Ireland

A new variant of the virus, JN.1, is currently circulating in Ireland, leading to outbreaks in hospitals, nursing homes, and other dedicated care centres. This Covid-19 outbreak in North West Ireland has prompted immediate action from health authorities.

Outbreaks Affecting Hospitals and Care Centers

Several wards in Sligo University Hospital experienced an outbreak earlier this week, resulting in the implementation of visitor restrictions to contain the spread. The HSE has emphasized the importance of vigilance and adherence to health guidelines to prevent further outbreaks.

HSE Recommendations

The HSE strongly advises anyone exhibiting symptoms to stay at home until at least 48 hours after symptoms have mostly or fully subsided. They stress the need to avoid contact with others, particularly those at higher risk from Covid-19, to help curb the spread of this new variant.

Conclusion

As the Covid-19 outbreak in North West Ireland continues to evolve, the HSE remains vigilant and urges the public to follow safety guidelines to protect themselves and their communities.