Mullingar Hospital advice is to not bring children to the Emergency Department

A statement from the Midlands Regional Hospital in Mullingar has advised people not bring children if at all possible to the Emergency Department.

The statement follows three days of overcrowding.

"Mullingar Hospital and ED is extremely busy with increased incidences of flu and respiratory illness.

"In order to limit the spread of infection, visitors are advised to only attend the hospital if absolutely necessary and to not to bring children if at all possible."

The statement adds that hospital management apologises for the inconvenience to patients and their families, and thanks the public for their cooperation at this time.

Management have again encouraged patients with "flu-like illness or cold symptoms" to telephone their GP or pharmacist instead, rather than presenting at the hospital.

In addition, people due to attend the hospital for an outpatient clinic appointment during the current week who may have symptoms of flu are advised to check with the hospital before attending as an appointment may need to be rescheduled in order to prevent the further spread of flu to both patients and staff.