In a drastic move, five hospitals have been forced to cancel patient treatments due to severe overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick (UHL). The decision has sparked outrage, with the Irish Hospital Consultants Association condemning the cancellations as “unbelievable” and “unnecessary,” leaving many patients feeling abandoned.
According to Irishexaminer, the overcrowding crisis at UHL reached a peak this week, with 120 patients left without a bed on Thursday, following 127 on Wednesday and 103 on Tuesday, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.
While many treatments have been cancelled, exceptions were made for critical services, including cancer treatments, dialysis for kidney disease patients, cardiology services, and care at the Rapid Access Medical Unit.
The situation has raised serious concerns about the state of the healthcare system, as patients and healthcare professionals alike grapple with the fallout from this unprecedented decision. The crisis highlights the urgent need for solutions to address overcrowding and ensure patients receive the care they need.