Latest news with #UrgentVirtualCare
Irish Examiner
31-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Rise in covid-19 cases sees surge in presentations to CUH emergency department
A rise in covid-19 cases has contributed to a near-30% seasonal surge in presentations at one of Ireland's busiest emergency departments (EDs). It comes as Cork University Hospital (CUH) continues to try to ease the pressure on its ED, which reported exceptionally high patient attendances earlier this week. The Irish Examiner has established that there were 585 attendances at its ED from July 27 to July 29 in 2024. However, the presentation figure surged to 761 for the same period this year, with an additional 176 people attending its ED between Sunday and Tuesday of this week, compared to the same period last year. 'It remains difficult to pinpoint the exact drivers of these elevated self-presenting numbers,' a spokesperson for the hospital said. 'However, contributing factors include a rise in the number of people with covid-19 presenting to the ED, and an increase in the number of patients aged over 75 needing admission. 'Today's position shows some improvement, but demand is still above our operational targets.' That 30% increase in ED presentations earlier this week compared to the same period last year prompted hospital chiefs to issue a public appeal on Tuesday for people to consider all care options — including GPs, pharmacists, and SouthDoc out-of-hours services — before presenting at the ED. There were reports of long waits for certain categories of patients in the ED, with an increase in the number of trolleys in the hospital's ED also reported by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) from 40 people on trolleys in the ED on Monday, to 52 on Tuesday, 40 on Wednesday, and 36 on Thursday. "We thank the public for taking note of our request that they consider all care options before attending the ED,' the CUH spokesperson said. 'Their considered use of GPs, pharmacists, and the SouthDoc out-of-hours service is helping us to protect access to emergency care for those who need it most. 'We are working with hospital teams to understand the root causes of these trends and to implement measures that will alleviate pressure on the system.' CUH's chief executive officer, Jennifer Kearney, said given the surge in presentations, it is vital that the hospital reserves its resources for patients with the most critical needs. Patients arriving at the ED are clinically assessed and seen in order of priority, which means those with non-urgent medical needs face a long wait. GPs can now also access a new regional telehealth service, Urgent Virtual Care, which allows them and paramedics to consult directly by phone, or by video call, with a senior medical decision-maker in emergency medicine or geriatric medicine, who can advise someone if they need to attend the ED.
Irish Independent
29-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Warning that Cork University Hospital's emergency department is experiencing ‘very high' levels of activity'
The public are being advised to consider all care options - including GPs, pharmacists and SouthDoc out-of-hours services. When there is a large volume of ED attendances, patients are prioritised in terms of clinical need and wait times for non-urgent care can be lengthy, the HSE South West said. They added that patients arriving to the ED will be clinically assessed and seen in order or priority, so those with non-urgent presentations will be waiting a long time and are advised to seek alternative treatments. HSE South West also said that GPs can also access Urgent Virtual Care (UVC), a new regional telehealth service which 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 if you need to attend the ED. People who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised. 'Our priority is to protect access to emergency care for those who need it most,' said HSE Integrated Area Manager for Cork South and West Priscilla Lynch. 'We're asking the public to help us by seeking treatment through other trusted services such as GPs, SouthDoc, pharmacists, and their local injury unit. The new Urgent Virtual Care service is also a vital tool to help GPs assess patients and guide them to the right pathway.' Chief Executive Officer, Cork University Hospital Jennifer Kearney urged everyone to 'pause' and consider a number of options becoming coming to the ED. 'We are currently experiencing a surge in activity at CUH's Emergency Department. It's vital we reserve our resources for patients with the most critical needs. 'I urge everyone to pause and consider: 'Is the ED the right place for my care?' There are excellent alternatives available - including local GPs, pharmacies, SouthDoc, and injury units that can offer prompt and appropriate support,' she added. Know your options if you need medical treatment: • Self-care – Have a well-stocked medicine cabinet to help with colds and sore throats • Pharmacy – Ask your pharmacist for advice on common minor illnesses • GP Surgery – Make an appointment with your GP if you're feeling unwell • Local Injury Unit – For minor injuries, broken bones and burns. See for more information • Out-of-Hours GP – if your GP clinic is closed, call SouthDoc on 0818 355 999 • ED or 999/112 – For emergencies, please visit your nearest ED • Out-of-Hours GP – if your GP clinic is closed, call SouthDoc on 0818 355 999 • ED or 999/112 – For emergencies, please visit your nearest ED
Irish Independent
17-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Warning University Hospital Kerry under pressure due to high attendance
The HSE have asked the public in Kerry to consider all care options - including GPs, pharmacists and SouthDoc out-of-hours services in a bid to reduce the current pressure at athe hospital. When there is a large volume of ED attendances, patients are prioritised in terms of clinical need and wait times for non-urgent care can be lengthy, the HSE said. Patients arriving to the ED will be clinically assessed and seen in order or priority, so those with non-urgent presentations will be waiting a long time and are advised to seek alternative treatments. UHK Hospital Manager Mary Fitzgerald said that patients should consider their attendance. "We must take care of the sickest people first so please, stop and ask yourself: 'Do I really need to attend the ED?' Our Emergency Department cares for those who are seriously ill or injured, so please consider alternative care pathways and seek assistance from other parts of the health service.' HSE Area Manager for Kerry Julie O'Neill said that the HSE need to manage the current situation. "UHK is seeing a very high level of attendances at the moment. We need to manage the pressure on the ED, so that we can we continue to prioritise those who are sickest. Those who believe they may be seriously ill and require emergency care should come to UHK, but we would ask others who are not seriously ill, to consider seeking support from pharmacists, GPs, Southdoc and the Injury Unit in Mallow.' In a statement the HSE South West said other options for patients include their local pharmacy and GP and the Local Injury Unit in Mallow. An out-of-hours GP service is also an option as well as self-care. The HSE South West also remined patients and their GP's the Urgent Virtual Care (UVC), a new regional telehealth service which 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, is available.
