Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise emergency department impacted by increase in patients

EMERGENCY departments in hospitals across the HSE Dublin and Midlands Region are experiencing a significant increase in the number of patients presenting for care, according to the HSE.

As a result, patients are facing long wait times for admission to an inpatient bed.

Hospitals currently impacted within the region include Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, Naas General Hospital, Regional Hospital Mullingar, and Tallaght University Hospital.

Paul Ridgeway, Interim Regional Clinical Director for HSE Dublin and Midlands said that hospital staff have been working hard to ensure patients who need emergency care are prioritised, while responding to the additional pressures associated with respiratory illness at this time of year.

He continued: “Unfortunately, people attending with less serious illness or injury will experience longer waiting times. We are working with our community health services to ensure that those patients who can be treated in alternative services are seen and avoid hospital admission and that a continuous focus remains on patient flow through our hospitals.” 

Hospital management have asked that people with non-emergency health concerns consider alternative healthcare options where possible, such as your local GP or pharmacist, injury unit, or out-of-hours service.

Emergency departments will continue to see all urgent cases.

Many of the patients presenting for care have viral infections. As a result, hospital visiting is currently restricted across several sites, with only compassionate visits permitted at a select few. The HSE has advised that you check with your local hospital before attending.

The HSE's appeal comes days after a similar announcement was made in relation to the Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar.