Public asked to stay away from Emergency Department unless 'absolutely necessary'

The public have been asked to stay away from the Emergency Department at Midland's Regional Hospital Mullingar unless " absolutely necessary".

In a statement released this morning this hospital said:

Visitors are advised to only attend the hospital ED if absolutely necessary and to not bring children if at all possible.

Hospital management apologises for the inconvenience to patients and their families and thanks the public for their cooperation at this time.

Management would ask the public, where possible, to telephone their GP/or pharmacist in the first instance to seek the best advice, rather than presenting at the hospital.

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