HSE makes A&E plea to Laois public due to 'very high attendances'

The HSE has issued an appeal to the public not to attend Portlaoise hospital's Emergency Department unless absolutely necessary due to pressure for space.

A statement said the Emergency Department (ED /A&E) at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise has experienced "very high attendances" on Wednesday, April 26.

It outlined the impact.

"Unfortunately, patients with non-urgent conditions who present to the ED may experience long waiting times to be seen," said the HSE.

As a result the public is asked to seek help elsewhere.  

"Where possible people with non-emergency conditions should consider alternative care options such as the local Pharmacy, GP or GP out-of-hours service," said a statement.

However, the people were urged not to stay if an emergency presents.

"Patients who are in need of urgent emergency care will be prioritised and should not delay in attending the ED, particularly if you suspect you are having a heart attack or stroke, please dial 999 or 112 in an emergency," it said.   

The HSE said Portlaoise apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks the public for their support and understanding. 

Figures published by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation on April 26 showed a spike in the number of trollies nationally. There were 607 admitted patients are waiting for beds on Wednesday morning, according to the daily INMO Trolley Watch report. Of those waiting, 479 patients are in the emergency department, while 128 are in wards elsewhere in the hospital.

The report showed that four people were on Trollies in the Portlaoise hospital A&E.

The HSE continues to publish a daily report on the impact of Covid-19 in Irish hospitals. It says there were no cases of Covid-19 in Portlaoise hospital at 8pm on Tuesday, April 25.

The reported that there were three available general beds available for patients on Tuesday morning and one intensive care bed.