The Health Minister has admitted that conditions at the Emergency Department at UHG during his recent visit were “unacceptable”.

Stephen Donnelly was in Galway last Friday to open a new Primary Care Centre in Moycullen, and visit UHG.

Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Sean Kyne said people in Galway are “sick of hearing about plans” and need to see action on the ground.

Minister Donnelly accepted that progress has been far too slow to date – but real progress is now being made on a range of vital projects.

They include a new elective hospital and surgical hub at Merlin Park, as well as a new regional cancer centre and paediatric/maternity block at UHG.

But Minister Donnelly admitted conditions at UHG during his visit were far from ideal.

Galway Bay FM Newsroom – Gardaí and a local councillor are appealing to visitors to Connemara beaches this weekend to park responsibly.

Gardaí have a particular focus on Dogs Bay and Gurteen Beach in Roundstone.

With thousands of visitors expected, they’re asked to be mindful of where and how they park their vehicles, to avoid causing obstructions to other road users and emergency services.

Local councillor Gerry King has been speaking to David Nevin.

Galway Bay FM Newsroom – The Galway public are being asked to consider all care options before presenting to emergency departments this bank holiday weekend.

The Saolta Hospital Group says combined with the good weather, this weekend will likely bring additional pressure.

Serious accidents, incidents and injuries can’t always be avoided – and that’s what Emergency Departments are for.

But Saolta is reminding people ahead of the bank holiday weekend, that a trip to the ED isn’t the best solution for all medical treatments.

It’s advising that patients who attend ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times.

The public are asked to consider all local care options – including pharmacies, GP out of hours services, or the minor injuries unit in Roscommon.

We’re also being urged to be ‘Sun Smart’ this weekend as the good weather is set to continue.

That means staying hydrated, keeping cool, and remembering the sunscreen before spending time outdoors – as well as keeping an eye on the vulnerable, including babies and the elderly.