Given the rising numbers of community transmission of Covid-19, the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise have taken the decision this week to cease all non-time dependent work including inpatient, day case and outpatient services.
Essential services and urgent time sensitive procedures will continue to be provided.
A spokesperson said: “Please do not attend the hospital if you had received a planned appointment. The Hospital will be in contact with you.”
This decision will be reviewed weekly depending upon the level of Covid in the community and the impact on hospital services.
Patients will be advised if their care is proceeding.
Commenting on the decision, Michael Knowles, General Manager said: “We regret the impact that these deferrals will have on our patients but it is a really important part of maintaining critical and emergency services.
“Patients will be notified directly if their appointment or procedure is being deferred.
“Visiting restrictions remain in place at the hospital.
“Members of the public should not visit the hospital except on compassionate grounds and these visits should be arranged in advance with the nurse manager on the ward.
“Please stay at home and support us to protect our frontline staff and services.”
The news comes on the day that the number of people with Covid-19 in Irish hospitals reached its highest ever number.
There are now 921 people in hospital around Ireland – with 11 of those currently in Portlaoise.
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