Portlaoise hospital A&E plea to Laois people by HSE

Laois people with non-urgent illnesses should avoid going to Portlaoise hospital's A&E and other Emergency Departments (ED) in the HSE's Dublin and Midlands Region due to the surge in flu and other viral infections, according to the health service.

The HSE also warns people who do so will face 'very long waiting' times at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise and other hospitals in Offaly, Westmeath, Kildare and Dublin (Tallaght).

In a statement issued to the Leinster Express / Laois Live the Dublin Midlands wing of the HSE said EDs across the four counties are experiencing a significant increase in the number of patients presenting for care, including many with flu and other viral infections.

It said that as a result, patients are facing long wait times for admission to an inpatient bed. 

The appeal comes just days after the HSE made a similar plea in relation to the Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar. Paul Ridgeway is the Interim Regional Clinical Director for HSE Dublin and Midlands.

“We have been working very hard to ensure patients who need emergency care are prioritised while responding to the additional pressures associated with respiratory illness at this time of year. Unfortunately, people attending with less serious illnesses or injuries will experience longer waiting times.

"We are working with our community health services to ensure that those patients who can be treated in alternative services are seen and avoid hospital admission, and that a continuous focus remains on patient flow through our hospitals,” he said.

The statement said hospital management are asking people with non-emergency health concerns to consider other healthcare options where possible, including:

• Local pharmacist
• GP
• Local Injury Unit
• GP out-of-hours service

However, it emphasised that those who require emergency care must "not delay" in attending an Emergency Department where staff will continue to see all urgent cases. Anyone experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or stroke is urged to call 999 or 112 immediately.

The HSE issued a statement on January 16 announcing extensive visiting restrictions at Portlaoise hospital.  

Its latest statement, dated January 22, said that due to the high number of patients with viral illnesses and ongoing infection control requirements, hospital visiting was also restricted across all sites. Compassionate visits only are permitted in some hospitals and wards. It advises people to check their hospital at HSE Disruptions for the latest guidance before attending. Guidance for Portlaoise HERE.

The HSE Dublin Midlands thanked the public for their support in preventing the spread of infection in hospitals, and requests people not attend a hospital if they have any symptoms of viral illness. The HSE says this help is vital to protect patients, staff, and the wider community.

"We appreciate your patience and support during this time. Thank you for helping us ensure that emergency care is available to those who need it most," said the statement.

READ ALSO: Portlaoise hospital gets new manager

The hospitals currently impacted within the Dublin and Midlands Region are:

• Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise
• Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore
• Naas General Hospital
• Regional Hospital Mullingar
• Tallaght University Hospital.

ALTERNATIVES to Emergency Departments MORE BELOW PHOTO

Midoc on the Dublin Road in Portlaoise - appointments only service.

Out-of-hours GP co-ops

The HSE says urgent out-of-hours GP care is available when a family doctor's surgery closes in the evening. The service is not a walk-in service. It is by appointment only for those who are seriously unwell.

Patients are advised to remember that GP surgeries open as normal on non-bank holiday days. Patients should check the opening times with their own GP.

As with hospitals, out-of-hours services expect it to be busier than ever and patients may face delays getting through to the service at peak times or waiting for a call back.

MIDOC is the service for 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.

READ ALSO: New Portlaoise hospital wing is active for flu fight in Laois

Injury Units

The HSE says Injury Units 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

The HSE asks people to consider all healthcare options at this time including the injury units located in Mullingar, Roscommon, Naas and Nenagh.

1. 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

Nenagh Injury Unit, Tyone, Nenagh, Tipperary, E45 PT86

Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, including Bank Holidays

Service Available To: Adults and children aged 5 and older

Phone: 067 423 11

Roscommon Injury Unit, Roscommon University Hospital, Athlone Road, Roscommon, F42 AX61

Monday to Sunday 8am to 8pm, including Bank Holidays

Service Available To: Adults and children aged 5 and older

Phone: 090 663 2212

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

Advice from HSE Public Health for the Dublin and Midlands:

• The HSE says prevention is always better than cure so the public health advice is to;
• Stay home, and don’t have visitors to your home, if you are unwell.
• Keep your child home from school, childcare and their usual activities if they are unwell.
• To help protect you and your loved ones, make sure your winter vaccinations are up-to-date, including flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
• Make sure your children’s vaccines are up-to-date. And do remember that the flu vaccine for children is given as a nasal spray – so it’s fast and painless.
• ake sure you have all your medications – just in case the weather is bad and you cannot get to the pharmacy.
• Make sure you are warm at home, well hydrated, with plenty of healthy food.

The HSE says common illnesses at this time include winter viruses like flu, COVID, the common cold and RSV.

It adds that can be hard to know which virus you have. This is why it is important to stay away from people who are pregnant, elderly or living with an underlying medical condition when you are sick. Even if you don’t feel particularly unwell, what you might experience as a mild illness could cause them to be very sick.

Flu can be more serious for people who are pregnant, elderly or living with underlying medical conditions. That's why we recommend the flu vaccine to these groups. It is also important that those who are more likely to get respiratory viruses, such as carers or health care workers, are up to date with their vaccines.

To see what is recommended for you, the HSE advises people to go to www.hse.ie or chat to your pharmacist or GP.