St Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny 'extremely busy'

St Luke’s General Hospital’s Emergency Department is 'extremely busy' with high numbers of patients attending from Kilkenny and surrounding counties.

The HSE is urging members of the public to consider all available care options before attending the AMAU/ Emergency Department. There are a range of care pathways available to patients who do not need emergency care including pharmacists, GP and Care Doc Out of Hours Services.

Patients who do need to attend the local hospital may experience very long wait times in the AMAU/ Emergency Department, however, staff will prioritise the sickest patients and most urgent cases for treatment and care.

A spokesperson from the hospital told Kilkenny Live: "Within the AMAU and Emergency Departments patients will be prioritised based on their clinical complexity priority.  We therefore urge all patients where appropriate to consult with their GP prior to attending an Emergency Department. In an emergency situation, Emergency Departments continue to deal with all medical emergencies. 

"Hospital Management would like to thank the public for their support and understanding during this period."