Public asked not to attend Portlaoise Hospital ED unless it's an emergency
Patients at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise are experiencing long wait times, according to the HSE
People are being asked not to attend at the Emergency Department of Portlaoise Hospital unless emergency care is needed.
“Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise is experiencing a high number of patients presenting to the Emergency Department with high admissions. As a result patients are experiencing long wait times to be seen,” the HSE said in a statement this afternoon.
According to INMO trolley watch figures, there were eight patients waiting on beds at the Midlands Regional Hospital this morning.
The HSE has asked that, “where possible, the management at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise is asking patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service.”
Emergency Departments treat seriously ill patients. Visit an ED or call 999 or 112 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. Those with less severe injuries and symptoms will have to wait to be seen in the Emergency Department, the HSE said.
They said the range of care pathways available to patients who do not need emergency care includes
“Visit your pharmacy for advice on common minor illnesses. Find out more here https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/pharmacy/
If you urgently need to see a GP outside of normal hours, contact your local GP Out of Hours service.”
“MIDOC is an appointment only GP service located in the Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath areas. This service is for patients who need urgent medical attention that cannot wait to be seen by their usual GP. Opening Hours: Weekdays, Monday to Thursday 6pm to 8am. Weekends 6pm Friday to 8am Monday. All day on Bank Holidays. Telephone 1800 302 702 or go to GP Out of Hours service: GP out-of-hours service - HSE.ie for more information,” the HSE stated.
The HSE also stated that Injury Units can treat a wide range of injuries such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains and strains, minor burns and scalds for all patients. All units have access to x-ray and basic diagnostic services. For more information see www.hse.ie/injuryunits
Information on how to manage common illness and advice on when to get emergency help is also available at https://www2.hse.ie/living-well/ and https://www2.hse.ie/my-child/ in relation to children.