Hospital at 'full capacity' due to high admissions level

The Full Capacity Protocol has been implemented at Mullingar hospital, and the public is being asked to think about all options before presenting at the Emergency Department (ED) for treatment.

Both the ED and the hospital itself are "very busy", the hospital has warned.

"We have admitted a lot of seriously ill patient over the weekend, many of whom are in their 80’s and 90’s with respiratory and other complex illnesses.

"We apologise for the distress or inconvenience caused to patients or their loved ones who are experiencing long wait times. 

"The Full Capacity Protocol has been implemented our consultants are doing additional ward rounds to facilitate discharges and we are working with the community to discharge patients where it is appropriate to the community."

The hospital said it is asking people to think about all their care and treatment options and the length of time they may be waiting in ED should they not require urgent care.

"We would ask that people keep our ED services for the patients who need them most. However, if you are seriously injured or ill the ED will assess and treat you as a priority."

The hospital's statement concluded by apologising to patients and their families who are experiencing a long wait.