Tallaght University Hospital tells emergency department patients to expect lengthy delays

Tallaght University Hospital has released a statement claiming that it’s emergency department is currently “extremely busy with high numbers of people” and is warning people to expect lengthy waiting times.

A spokesperson for the hospital said that “any patient who is in need of emergency hospital care will be seen and the hospital urged such patients not to delay and to seek care.

“People who attend the ED with non-urgent conditions will be seen but they will have a lengthy wait and to avoid this we would encourage them to seek assistance elsewhere such as a GP or pharmacy.

“The Hospital regrets any delay a patient of any age experiences whilst waiting in our ED, patients are prioritised according to clinical need.

“We thank the public for their understanding and cooperation.”

The statement comes after the Mater Hospital issued a similar message to patients earlier this month.