There are once again long delays at Letterkenny University Hospital after 130 people attended the Emergency Department yesterday.
The high numbers had led to a knock-on for staff trying to cope with bed numbers and treatment.
A spokesperson for the hospital has appealed to the public to be patient and asked to try other options before attending the ED.
The spokesperson said “Many of the attendances are patients who are very sick, frail, and elderly need to be admitted to the hospital for treatment.
“There is ongoing pressure on bed availability in the hospital and we regret that many patients are currently experiencing long waiting times to be admitted from the ED to an acute bed in the hospital.
“We are committed to treating everyone who presents at our ED but we do so strictly in order of medical priority.
“The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.
“We continue to request that people consider other options for non-emergency care such as Out of Hours GP and pharmacies before attending an ED.
“Keeping up to date with your vaccines is the most important thing you can do to avoid serious COVID-19 illness.”