The HSE is advising people to only attend University Hospital Kerry’s emergency department in urgent cases.
The HSE South West is warning the public that UHK is facing a significant and escalating surge in winter illnesses, particularly respiratory conditions.
It says the Tralee hospital’s ED is experiencing far higher attendances than normal, and activity levels at UHK are exceptionally high.
People are urged to consider all care options, including GPs, pharmacists, SouthDoc out-of-hours services, or minor injuries units in Mallow or Bantry, before attending the ED.
Operations Manager at UHK Damien Moyles says staff in the ED prioritise patients in terms of clinical need and current wait times for non-urgent care are lengthy.
He says anyone with an urgent or emergency care need should attend the Emergency Department, but anyone with a less serious condition should review all their other options.
Meanwhile, 21 patients are waiting on trolleys at University Hospital Kerry today, according to figures from the INMO.
15 people are waiting on trolleys in the emergency department in the hospital, while a further six people are awaiting on trolleys elsewhere in the hospital.
