Portlaoise hospital expects busy Bank Holiday weekend
The manager of Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise and the HSE is urging the public to consider other options before they come to the Emergency Department this Halloween Bank Holiday weekend.
John Joyce is General Manager, Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise.
“While we are preparing for a busy Bank Holiday period in the hospital, we ask everyone to consider all options before going to ED.
“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,’ Mr Joyce said.
The HSE warn that patients who present at the Emergency Department in Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise with non-urgent conditions may experience long wait times to be seen.
They say that any patient who needs emergency hospital care will be seen and we would urge such patients not to delay attending the ED. 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.
Ahead of the October Bank Holiday weekend, HSE services in the Midlands has reminded the public of other treatment options before attending the Emergency Department (ED) at the hospital.
They suggest visiting a pharmacy for advice on common minor illnesses. Make an appointment with a GP if not feeling well and it is not an emergency. If people urgently need to see a GP outside of normal hours, contact the GP Out of Hours service MIDOC.
MIDOC is an appointment only GP service located in the Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath Areas. The 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.
They suggest going to an Injury Unit which treats 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.
They suggest Mullingar Minor Injuries Unit at Charter Medical Private Hospital, Ballinderry, Mullingar, Westmeath, N91 FE40 It is open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 6pm, but closed Bank Holiday Mondays.
The Nenagh Injury Unit is in Tyone, Nenagh, Tipperary, E45 PT86, open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, including Bank Holidays
The Roscommon Injury Unit is at Roscommon University Hospital, Athlone Road, Roscommon, F42 AX61, open Monday to Sunday 8am to 8pm, including Bank Holidays.
Emergency Departments exist to treat seriously ill patients. the HSE advises to 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/living- well/ and https://www2.hse.ie/my-child/ in relation to children.