Hospital repeats plea asking public to stay away from ED

For the second time in five days, Mullingar Hospital has asked patients to try and avoid going to the Emergency department there.

This afternoon, Monday, the hospital issued a statement saying it has admitted a lot of patients with complex needs recently, many of whom remain in the ED, awaiting a bed.

“We are asking people to think about all their care and treatment options and keep our ED services for the patients who need them most,” said a hospital statement.

“We are asking patients with a less serious illness to contact their GP in the first instance where possible. 

“However, if you are seriously injured or ill or are worried that your life is at risk the ED will assess and treat you as a priority. “

the hospital issued a similar warning on Thursday last.