HSE issues advice to Laois residents ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend

The HSE is advising Laois residents to know their healthcare options ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend.

The HSE said visiting restrictions remain in place at the Midland Regional Hospitals in Tullamore and Mullingar. There are no visitor restrictions in place at Portlaoise Hospital. 

A spokesperson for HSE Dublin and Midlands stated: “While we are preparing for a busy Bank Holiday period in our hospital network, 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 NGH 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.”

READ ALSO: Planning approved for new Portlaoise Primary Care Centre

Ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, HSE Dublin and Midlands want to remind the public of their treatment options before attending an Emergency Department (ED). There are a range of care pathways available to patients who do not need emergency care including:

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

For urgent GP visits outside of normal hours, contact a local GP Out of Hours service. 

Injury units treat recent injuries that are not life-threatening and are unlikely to need admission to hospital. 

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.

We would ask people to consider all healthcare options at this time including the injury units located in Mullingar, Naas, Roscommon, Nenagh and Smithfield.”

Mullingar Minor Injuries Unit:

Charter Medical Private Hospital, Ballinderry, Mullingar, Westmeath, N91 FE40 . Monday to Friday:  8am to 7.30pm. Saturday and Sunday:10am to 5.30pm. Bank Holiday Mondays: 10am to 5.30pm. Service Available To: Age 16 and older. Phone: 044 938 5331

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.  Phone: 045 872 135

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

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