Visiting restrictions imposed at Mullingar Hospital as HSE chiefs bid to keep lid on Covid-19 outbreak

A severe outbreak of Covid-19 at Mullingar’s Midland Regional Hospital has led to visitation restrictions being implemented in general medical and surgical areas of the facility.

Hospital management have confirmed a significant scaling down of present day practices at the Westmeath based facility in a bid to keep a lid on the virus’ spread.

In a statement, a hospital spokesperson confirmed it had encountered a “high number” of patient with Covid-19 which, it indicated had its origins outside of the Longford Road campus.

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

The hospital said while maternity and paediatric services remain unaltered, visiting on critical and compassionate grounds would continue.

“As a result, visiting restrictions have been implemented 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 will continue to be accommodated. Maternity services and paediatrics are unaffected by these restrictions currently."

Service users, meanwhile, attending the hospital are asked to wear a face mask while in the hospital. These measures will be kept under review.

The spokesperson expressed regret over the disruption the new measures might bring to members of the public and asked patients with non-critical conditions to consider alternative options.

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

“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.”

You can visit http://www.hse.ie/injuryunits to find your nearest injury unit and their opening hours. If you require urgent medical attention out of hours, you can visit https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-a-gp-out-of-hours/

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

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