Laois people urged to seek an alternative to Portlaoise hospital A&E

The HSE has issued an appeal to the people of Laois to find an alternative to presenting to Portlaoise hospital's Emergency Department (ED / A&E) for care due to pressure on the facility.

The Dublin and Midlands wing of the HSE made the appeal in a statement issued to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise is experiencing an increasing number of people requiring admission at this time.

"Where possible, the management at the Hospital is asking patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service such as their local Pharmacist, GP, or a GP out of hours service," said the statement.

It said people attending the Portlaoise facility will face delays if they do not require urgent care.

"Unfortunately, patients who are presenting at the ED with non-urgent conditions are experiencing very long waiting times to be seen," he said.

The HSE says any patient who needs emergency hospital care will be seen, and the hospital would urge such patients not to delay attending the ED. Is calls on people not delay in seeking medical attention if they suspect you are having a heart attack or stroke, please dial 999 or 112 in an emergency.

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"Staff and management in Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank the public for their support and understanding," said the statement.

If you require urgent medical attention out of hours, you can visit https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-a-gp-out-of-hours/