Mullingar's ED is 'busy' this morning with 12 on trolleys

In a statement from hospital management today, they say the Regional Hospital Mullingar’s Adult Emergency Department is busy this morning, and is advising patients to "consider their options" before attending.

"The hospital is in escalation and teams are working to manage the current Adult In-Patient and Covid-19 Bed Capacity together with Scheduled Care," read the statement.

"We would ask patients to consider their options before attending the Emergency Departments.

"If you do come to ED and are not triaged as seriously ill, you may need to wait for a long period to be seen.

"Adult Patients who require urgent care will be prioritised.

"Hospital Management would like to thank the public for their support and understanding during this period."

There are 12 patients on trolleys in Mullingar, and a total of 466 waiting on beds nationally. That's according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation which compiles the figures.