In response to overwhelming patient numbers and concerns over delayed care, University Hospital Limerick (UHL) has initiated a new strategy. General Practitioners (GPs) will now be stationed at the A&E doors to assess incoming patients. This proactive approach aims to redirect individuals with less severe medical conditions, thus alleviating pressure on the emergency department.
This decision follows a distressing incident involving the death of Martin Abbott, who was found unattended for an extended period in December 2019. Abbott, a kidney transplant recipient, highlights the critical need for improved patient management amidst UHL’s overcrowding crisis.
Under the new plan, GPs from local out-of-hours services will promptly evaluate patients upon arrival. Those with minor medical concerns will receive immediate attention, potentially reducing congestion within the emergency department.
This initiative reflects UHL’s commitment to enhancing patient care and addressing the challenges posed by unprecedented demand. With ongoing reviews of patient fatalities underway, the hospital remains dedicated to implementing effective solutions for the well-being of its community.