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Public urged to avoid Portiuncula Emergency Department

April 11, 2019

Public urged to avoid Portiuncula Emergency Department

*Provided by RTE News*

 

The Saolta Hospital group has appealed to people to avoid presenting at the Emergency Department at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe, due to a significant pressures caused by respiratory and flu-like illness.  The hospital says a significant increase in the number of people with such ailments means the Emergency Department is extremely busy today.  Those with flu-like symptoms are being isolated to prevent the spread of infection, with knock on consequences for the day to day running of the hospital.  Efforts are being made to free up space by reviewing patients, facilitating early discharges and the deferral of non-urgent procedures.  Hospital management says people should only attend the Emergency Department in the case of a "real emergency".  Otherwise, they're advised to contact their GP or to present at the Minor Injuries Unit at Roscommon Hospital.