'Very long wait times' at Tullamore hospital's emergency department

Members of the public who can seek treatment elsewhere are being advised to do so as a result of increased pressure on Tullamore hospital's emergency department (ED).

In a statement issued yesterday (Sunday), the HSE said Tullamore hospital was experiencing an increase in the numbers attending its ED, and that additional beds had been opened "to cope with this extra demand on capacity and resources at this time".

It added that, "where possible, the management at Tullamore Hospital is asking patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service such as their local Pharmacist, GP out of hours service, or a local injury unit."

The HSE said that if people do present at the ED with non-urgent conditions, they be facing "very long waiting times to be seen".

Any patient who needs emergency hospital care will be seen, and the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore urged such patients not to delay in attending the ED.

In particular, do not delay in seeking medical attention if you suspect you are having a heart attack or stroke, and dial 999 or 112 in an emergency.

In its statement, the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore apologised for any inconvenience caused and thanked the public for its support and understanding.