Hospital issue plea for people to consult GP or pharmacist

Regional Hospital Mullingar remains very busy this afternoon, Tuesday.

In a statement from management, it said the Regional Hospital Mullingar and ED is very busy, and delays are being experienced presently.

It is the second statement issued by the hospital today.

"There are a number of non-Covid-19 patients presenting. We ask the public to consider their care options, if possible.

"Please consult with your GP or pharmacist before attending ED in Regional Hospital Mullingar. However, if urgent care is required, patients should refer to the hospital.

"We advise visitors to only attend the hospital ED if absolutely necessary and to not bring children.

"Regional Hospital Mullingar would like to assure people that anyone seriously injured or ill will be assessed and treated as a priority.

We’d also like to remind the general public that anyone who is experiencing Covid-19 like symptoms (see below) to please contact their GP in the first instance.

"Please avoid coming directly to ED if you feel you might need to be treated for Covid-19 or you wish to have a test.

"Getting an early diagnosis from your GP means you can get the help you need and take steps to avoid spreading the virus, if you have it."

If you are experiencing a fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above); a new cough - this can be any kind of cough; shortness of breath or breathing difficulties; loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal.

"The management of Regional Hospital Mullingar would like to thank the public for their continued support and apologises for the inconvenience to patients and their families at this time."