No let-up in visiting restrictions at Mulllingar Hospital as health chiefs scramble to keep lid on Covid-19 outbreak

It comes after senior management confirmed last week that prohibitions had been imposed within the confines of its general medical and surgical areas after a “high number” of patients tested positive with the virus.

A spokesperson for the hospital said while visiting on “critical and compassionate grounds” are being permitted at present, patients with non-critical issues were being asked to seek alternative health based avenues.

“Regional Hospital Mullingar is experiencing a high number of patients with Covid-19, which appears to be circulating in the community,” said the spokesperson.

“As a result, visiting restrictions remain in place in general medical and surgical areas of the hospital to reduce spread of the virus in the healthcare setting.

“Visiting on critical and compassionate grounds continue to be accommodated.”

The spokesperson confirmed maternity services and paediatrics sections of the hospital were, for now, unaffected by restrictions with service users attending the hospital being asked to wear a face mask while inside its doors.

The continued restrictions were, the hospital said, being kept under review with hospital bosses repeating their earlier expressions of regret over any disruption the measures might have on the wider public.

“The Hospital would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank the public for their understanding and consideration,” said the spokesperson.

“Where possible, the management at Regional Hospital Mullingar is asking patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service such as their local Pharmacist, GP, GP out of hours service, or a local injury unit.

For up to date guidelines on visiting patients, please visit: https://www2.hse.ie/services/disruptions/

Members of the public, meanwhile, have been advised to visit http://www.hse.ie/injuryunits to find their nearest injury unit and their opening hours.

Anyone requiring urgent medical attention out of hours is asked to visit https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-a-gp-out-of-hours/