Letterkenny University Hospital has asked patients to stay away unless they are in need of emergency medical treatment.
It follows a huge spike in the number of patients who have been admitted to the Emergency Department.
A total of 164 patients attended the hospital’s Emergency Department which is significantly higher than the average which ranges between 105 and 115 patients per day.
A spokesman for Saolta, the communications company which represents the hospital said the emergency department is extremely busy this week.
A statement said “The hospital has admitted a significant number of ill patients, many of whom remain in the ED awaiting a bed.
“Yesterday (Mon) 164 patients attended the ED. This is significantly higher than the average number attending the ED, which ranges between 105 and 115 patients per day.
“Given the volume of patients attending the Emergency Department, we are asking the public to only present at an ED if they are in need of emergency medical treatment.
Patients should contact their GP or GP Out-of-Hours service in the first instance. Patients attending ED are prioritised, with urgent cases treated first.”
The spokesperson apologised for the distress or inconvenience caused to patients who are experiencing long wait times.
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