Mullingar Hospital warns of long waits as patient numbers rise
Regional Hospital Mullingar is experiencing increasing numbers of patients requiring admission, with people attending the Emergency Department with non-urgent conditions facing potentially lengthy waiting times.
Hospital management is urging people in Westmeath who require medical attention for non-emergency conditions to consider alternative healthcare services where appropriate, in an effort to ease pressure on the Emergency Department.
Patients are being advised to contact their GP, local pharmacist or GP out-of-hours service, while the hospital’s Injury Unit is also available to treat suitable injuries and conditions.
The Regional Hospital Mullingar Injury Unit is located at Charter Medical Private Hospital, Ballinderry, Mullingar, and patients are advised to check opening hours before attending.
The hospital has stressed, however, that anyone requiring emergency hospital care should not delay seeking treatment.
“Any patient who needs emergency hospital care will be seen,” the hospital said in a statement.
The warning comes as hospitals across the health service deal with fluctuating demand and increasing numbers of patients requiring admission.
Regional Hospital Mullingar is asking members of the public to consider whether the Emergency Department is the most appropriate service for their condition before travelling to the hospital.
Minor injuries and other suitable conditions can often be treated through an Injury Unit, while pharmacists and GPs can provide advice and treatment for a range of illnesses and less serious medical complaints.
People requiring urgent medical attention outside normal hours can also use the HSE’s urgent and emergency care service to identify the most appropriate service.
The hospital has emphasised that the advice regarding alternative services applies only to non-urgent conditions.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of a serious or potentially life-threatening illness should attend the Emergency Department without delay.
In particular, the hospital is reminding people not to delay seeking medical attention if they suspect they are having a heart attack or stroke.
In an emergency, members of the public should dial 999 or 112 for immediate assistance.
Staff and management at Regional Hospital Mullingar have apologised for the inconvenience caused by the current pressures and thanked patients and the wider Westmeath community for their patience, support and understanding.
The hospital is also encouraging people to make use of the healthcare services available in the community where appropriate, helping to ensure that emergency hospital resources remain available for those who need them most.
Patients can check HSE information on local urgent and emergency care services before attending hospital, particularly when their condition is not considered an emergency.