Visitor restrictions at Tullamore Hospital due to high number of patients with respiratory viral illnesses

Visiting restrictions remain at Tullamore Hospital due to a high number of patients with respiratory viral illnesses

In a statement this afternoon, Tullamore Hospital is reminding the public that the hospital is continuing to experience a high number of patients with respiratory viral illnesses, such as Influenza, RSV and COVID-19.

In order to reduce the spread of these illnesses in the healthcare setting, visiting restrictions are now in place on all wards.

The hospital says these measures will be lifted as soon as possible when clinical circumstances allow. Visiting on compassionate grounds continues to be accommodated by contacting ward staff in advance.

For up-to-date guidelines on visiting patients, please visit: https://www2.hse.ie/services/disruptions/

Louisea Burke, Acting General Manger, Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore said, “we have implemented visiting restrictions on all wards in the hospital to help keep our patients and staff safe from respiratory viral illnesses, which are widely circulating in the community. Visiting is limited to one person per patient during normal visiting times. We are asking people to only visit patients at the hospital if you are symptom free from flu or other respiratory illness. Please visit the HSE website for specific information and regular updates.

"While the hospital is busy, we are seeing a further increase to our Emergency Department of presentations of patients following slips, trips, and falls due to the adverse weather conditions. Unfortunately, people attending with less serious illness or injury are experiencing longer waiting times. We are working together with our community partners to ensure that those patients who can be treated in alternative services are seen and avoid hospital admission.

"Where possible we would ask people to consider all healthcare options at this time including the injury units located in Mullingar, Roscommon, Naas and Nenagh. You can visit www.hse.ie/injuryunit if you are unsure of who can attend this service.”

She added, “there are a range of care pathways available to patients who do not need emergency care including visiting your pharmacy for advice on common minor illnesses."

Find out more at www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/pharmacy/ It also advises that if you urgently need to see a GP outside of normal hours, contact the local GP Out of Hours service – https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-urgent-emergency-care/