Portlaoise hospital dealing with high volumes of patients in Emergency Department

Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise is experiencing pressure in its emergency department with a high number of patients presenting.

The hospital has advised that patients are experiencing long wait times to be seen and urged the public with non-emergency conditions to consider other pathways of care. 

 "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 will have to wait to be seen in the Emergency Department," the hospital said in a statement on Wednesday, October 9. 

 "Where possible, the management at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise is asking patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service.

"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/

"If you urgently need to see a GP outside of normal hours, contact your local GP Out of Hours service.
 
"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.

"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".