Visiting restrictions in place at Portlaoise hospital

Due to the high number high number of patients with respiratory viral illness, also known as Flu or COVID-19, in Portlaoise hospital, immediate visiting restrictions have been put in place.

In a statement on the issue the HSE said: “The Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise is experiencing a high number of patients with respiratory viral illness, also known as Flu or COVID-19.

“In order to reduce the spread of flu or COVID-19 in the healthcare setting the hospital is implementing visiting restrictions effective immediately.

“These restrictions include only one visitor allowed per patient during visiting hours. These measures will be kept under review. Certain exceptions will be made by contacting ward staff in advance. For up-to-date guidelines on visiting patients, please visit: https://www2.hse.ie/services/disruptions/” 

Hospital management is asking “patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service.” It said that there are a range of care pathways available to patients who do not need emergency care including to visit your pharmacy for advice on common minor illnesses. 

Find out more on www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/pharmacy/ If also advises that if you urgently need to see a GP outside of normal hours, contact the local GP Out of Hours service – Midoc.

This service, according to the HSE, “is for patients who need urgent medical attention that cannot wait to be seen by their usual GP.” 

The Midoc opening hours are from Friday 27 December from 6pm to 8am on Monday 30 December and the same opening hours from Monday 30 December to Thursday 2 January.

It can be contacting by phoning 1800 302 702.