Bantry General Hospital is currently experiencing significant pressure and overcrowding and only those with genuine emergencies should call to the hospital.
MEMBERS of the public are being asked to only attend Bantry General Hospital (BGH) in the case of a genuine emergency due to the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) currently experiencing signigifcant pressure and overcrowding.
Presentations to the department have increased and these patients have a variety of complex needs.
Management at the hospital is advising therefore, where possible, a GP or Southdoc out of hours service be consulted in the first instance.
'We are asking people to think about all their care and treatment options and keep our MAU unit service for the patients who need them most. The hospital is advising the public to attend their GP in the first instance, Cork University Hospital or University Hospital Kerry Emergency Departments,' said a spokesperson.
'However, if members of the public are seriously injured or ill or are worried that your life is at risk the MAU will assess and treat you as a priority.'
Staff and management are working to prioritise the discharge of patients as soon as possible where appropriate.
'The management at BGH apologies for any inconvenience caused, but be assured that all clinical staff are working to improve patient flow within the hospital.'
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