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17 Sept 2025
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17 Sept 2025
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Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise.
The HSE has urged the public not to attend Portlaoise hospital's Emergency Department (ED/A&E) where their condition is not urgent.
In a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live, management says that 'very long waiting times' are being experienced by people at the Laois hospital's A&E who do not have conditions that require emergency treatment.
"The Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise is experiencing increasing numbers of people requiring admission at this time," said the HSE.
It added: "Where possible, the management at Portlaoise hospital is asking patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service such as their local pharmacist, GP, GP out of hours service, or a local injury unit," it said.
"Unfortunately, patients who are presenting at the ED with non-urgent conditions are experiencing very long waiting times to be seen," said the statement. MORE BELOW PHOTO.
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No specific reason was given by the HSE for the demand faced that gave rise to its appeal.
he HSE Urgent and Emergency Care - Hospital Status report for September 17 says that eight trolleys were needed in A&E for patients at 8 am. A further 10 beds were redeployed from other parts of the hospital to cope with the surge. There were four delayed discharges.
The HSE advises that any patient who needs emergency hospital care will be seen at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise. Such patients are urged not to delay attending the ED.
READ ALSO: Driver shortage at local Laois bus service
"Do not delay in seeking medical attention if you suspect you are having a heart attack or stroke. Please dial 999 or 112 in an emergency," said the HS.
It added: "The Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks the public for their support and understanding."
You can visit http://www.hse.ie/injuryunits to find your nearest injury unit and their opening hours. If you require urgent medical attention out of hours, you can visit https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-a-gp-out-of-hours/
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