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16 Jan 2026
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16 Jan 2026
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Ambulances at the Portlaoise hospital Emergency Department.
The HSE has appealed to the public to comply with extensive visiting restrictions at Portlaoise hospital to reduce the risk of flu spread and other respiratory illnesses there.
The HSE Dublin and Midlands appealed to the people of Laois and other counties who have family or friends in the hospital in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.
"The Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise is currently experiencing a high number of patients with respiratory viral illnesses such as influenza which are circulating in the community.
"As a precautionary measure, visiting restrictions have been implemented across all hospital departments to help reduce the spread of the virus within the healthcare setting," said the statement.
The HSE said on Friday, January 16, that visiting to the Portlaoise facilty is "restricted on all wards with immediate effect". MORE DETAILS BELOW PHOTO.
It added that compassionate and critical visits in exceptional circumstances will be accommodated by contacting the Clinical Nurse Manager or Nurse in Charge of the relevant ward.
The statement added that paediatric services (including SBCU) are limited to one parent at a time. It said exceptions would be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The HSE said that maternity services visits are limited to the birthing partner only. It added that exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis.
The statement continued.
"The hospital apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks the public for their understanding and cooperation.
"Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise continues to experience a surge in attendances and increasing numbers of people requiring admission which is affecting bed capacity. Patients who are presenting at the ED with non-urgent conditions are experiencing very long waiting times to be seen," it said.
READ ALSO: New Portlaoise hospital wing active for flu season
Hospital management is also asking patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service such as their local Pharmacy, GP, GP out of hours service, or a local injury unit.
The HSE urges people to 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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