Visiting restrictions introduced at Tullamore Hospital due to high levels of Covid and flu

Due to high levels of COVID-19 and flu in the community, visiting restrictions are currently being implemented in both the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore and the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise from today, Thursday, December 29.

At the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, all inpatient visiting must be arranged in advance with the Clinical Nurse Manager/ Nurse in Charge of the ward. Patients may receive one visit between December 28 and January 3. Critical and compassionate circumstances will continue to be accommodated on an individual basis.

At the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, there is currently no visiting to the Emergency Department or the Emo Court Ward. Visiting to Slieve Bloom Ward, Dunamaise Ward, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Coronary Care Unit (CCU) can take place between 3pm to 4pm, with one visitor per patient during these times. Critical and compassionate circumstances will continue to be accommodated on an individual basis. On the Maternity Ward, designated birthing partner permitted throughout the day.

These measures will be kept under review. For up to date guidelines on visiting patients at each hospital, you can visit: https://www2.hse.ie/services/hospital-service-disruptions/hospital-service-disruptions-covid19.html

The hospitals would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank the public for their understanding and consideration.

The hospitals have been experiencing a high level of attendances and admissions in recent days. Where possible management are asking patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service such as their local Pharmacist or GP.

Unfortunately, patients who are presenting at the Emergency Departments with non-urgent conditions may experience long waiting times to be seen. Any patient who needs emergency hospital care will be seen and we would urge such patients not to delay attending the ED. Do not delay in seeking medical attention if you suspect you are having a heart attack or stroke, please dial 999 or 112 in an emergency. 

We would like to remind the public if you have to attend the ED in an emergency situation please ensure:

* you wear a mask,

* practice social distancing and ensure you tell the triage personnel if you have any signs/symptoms of Covid-19.

* GP out of hours services for the Midlands will be operational during the New Year period from 6pm on Friday, 30th December, 2022 until 8am on Tuesday, 3rd January, 2023. 31st December 2022 and 1st & 2nd January 2023 will be a 24 Hour Service. The service should only be used for urgent cases that cannot wait for the next routine surgery appointment. If you are in need of urgent out of hours care, call 1850 302 702.