Portlaoise Hospital release statement as busy January period now underway

“Attendance at EDs remained relatively high throughout the Christmas period, and GP out of hours services have also been very busy.”

So say Portlaoise Hospital as they gear up for the typically busy month of January where patient numbers are high.

A spokesperson for the HSE said that high levels of respiratory illness continue to circulate.

They are seeing increasing numbers of patients attending their Emergency Departments and subsequently being admitted due to respiratory symptoms.

They said: “The levels of respiratory illness are expected to increase (potentially over 3,000 cases in the coming weeks) combined with the reopening of general practice, this will certainly place further pressure on hospitals.

“We again urge the public to avail of any other health services if they are unwell, including the GP, injury units, and any other setting which avoids use of emergency departments if it’s not clinically necessary or a life threatening episode.

“Patients who attend EDs for routine and non -urgent treatment are being advised that they will experience very long waiting times.”

John Joyce, Hospital Manager Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise said that staff continue to work hard.

He said: “We have been working very hard to ensure patients who need emergency care are prioritised and that the hospital can respond to the additional pressures associated with respiratory illness at this time of year.

“Unfortunately, people attending with less serious illness or injury will experience longer waiting times.

“We are working together with our community partners to ensure that those patients who can be treated in alternative services are seen and avoid hospital admission.

“Also that a continuous focus remains on patient flow through our hospitals, with additional senior decision makers on site, using appropriate private hospitals beds, where available and are providing support to ensure patients are discharged home or to other appropriate facilities, once they are clinically fit for discharge.

“We would ask people to consider all healthcare options at this time including the injury units located in Mullingar, Roscommon and Nenagh. You can visit www.hse.ie/injuryunit if you are unsure of who can attend this service.”

The HSE regrets this delay and is asking all to help staff through a challenging time for services by:

• Considering all healthcare options before attending ED including Injury Units, GP services and pharmacies
• Dialling 999 or 112 for emergency care if there is concern for serious illness or injury
• Maintaining good hand hygiene practices at all times and in particular when entering and leaving the hospital
• Following all infection control measures when attending healthcare settings, including wearing masks when recommended.
• Visitors to Hospital should not visit if they have any symptoms of flu or COVID-19.

As always if you or someone else is seriously ill or needs urgent emergency care do not delay going to ED or dialling 999/112 for help.

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