Laois hospital 'prioritising seriously ill' ahead of rocketing admissions

High numbers in Laois A&E leave hospital begging public to seek other healthcare options first

Amidst high admission numbers, Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise (MRHP) has requested that where possible, patients with non-emergency conditions seek assistance from other healthcare units.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) have announced that there are currently 11 patients waiting on a trolley in the hospital.

This is the second appeal Midland Regional has made in a week in an effort to reduce admission numbers.

A spokesperson has recommended that for 'common minor illnesses', patients visit a pharmacy. If you need to see a GP outside of normal hours, to contact MIDOC.

For patients who may have injured themselves through suspected broken bones, sprains, burns or scalds, the hospital recommends they visit injury clinics, such as Naas, Nenagh, Mullingar or Roscommon.

"Emergency rooms treat seriously ill patients," the hospital said.

"Visit an emergency department 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 will have to wait to be seen in the Emergency Department."

Pictured: Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise

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.

Naas Hospital Injury Unit

Vista Primary Care Centre, Ballymore Eustace Road, Naas, Kildare, W91 X38W

Monday to Sunday 10am to 8pm. Service Available To: Age 16 and older

Mullingar Minor Injuries Unit

Charter Medical Private Hospital, Ballinderry, Mullingar, Westmeath, N91 FE40

Monday to Friday 8am to 7.30pm.

Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 10am to 5.30pm.

Nenagh Injury Unit

Tyone, Nenagh, Tipperary, E45 PT86

Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, including Bank Holidays

Roscommon Injury Unit

Roscommon University Hospital, Athlone Road, Roscommon, F42 AX61

Monday to Sunday 8am to 8pm, including Bank Holidays

Information on how to manage common illness and advice on when to get emergency help is also available at https://www2.hse.ie/living-well/ and https://www2.hse.ie/my-child/ in relation to children.