'Consider all options' before going to Portlaoise hospital A&E over Halloween Bank Holiday weekend

Laois people and those from other counties considering seeking treatment at Portlaoise hospital this weekend are being urged to only attend if its an emergency.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has issued the appeal as the October Bank Holiday gets underway but its the latest in a series of similar pleas via the media from the hospital due to pressure on services there in recent weeks.

The statement said Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise wants to remind the public of their treatment options before attending the Emergency Department (ED/A&E) at the hospital.

The public are being urged to use out-of-hours GP care, and minor injury units in Westmeath, Tipperary, Kildare and as far away as Roscommon where possible rather than attending the Laois Hospital ED. 

John Joyce, General Manager, Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise stated: “While we are preparing for a busy Bank Holiday period in the hospital, we ask everyone to consider all options before going to the Emergency Department. The days following the Bank Holiday period can also be particularly busy in the MRHP Emergency Department so please consider all available options next week also.

"Those who believe they may be seriously ill and require emergency care should of course come to hospital, but we would urge others to consider seeking support from pharmacists, GPs, GP out-of-hours services and injury units. While some patients may regrettably experience long wait times in our emergency departments, urgent patients will always be prioritised for treatment and care.”

The HSE says 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 may have to wait to be seen in Emergency Departments

A statement outlined a range of "care pathways" available to patients who do not need emergency care including: SEE BELOW PICTURE.

Visit your pharmacy for advice on common minor illnesses. Find out more here https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/pharmacy/

Make an appointment with your GP if you’re feeling unwell and it is not an emergency

If you urgently need to see a GP outside of normal hours, contact your local GP Out of Hours service.

Out-of-Hours Urgent GP Services

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.

Injury units

An Injury Unit 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

See details of Injury Units in the Midlands below.

Minor Injuries Unit Opening Hours - October 2024 Bank Holiday Weekend Opening Hours

Mullingar Minor Injuries Unit, Charter Medical Private Hospital, Ballinderry, Mullingar, Westmeath, N91 Opening hours: Monday – Friday 8am to 7.30pm, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 10am to 5.30pm. Service Available To: Age 16 and older

Naas Minor Injuries Unit, Vista Primary Care, Ballymore Eustace Road, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 X38W, Monday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm. Service Available To: Age 16 and older

Nenagh Injury Unit,  Tyone, Nenagh, Tipperary, E45 PT86. Monday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm. Service Available To: Adults and children aged 5 and older

Roscommon Injury Unit, Roscommon University Hospital, Athlone Road, Roscommon, F42 AX61, Monday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm. Service Available To: Adults and children aged 5 and older

The HSE also advised parents prepare for next week’s Halloween celebrations by goint to www.mychild.ie which shares some tips and advice to keep everyone safe, happy and healthy over the mid-term break and beyond.