The Health Service has issued a winter checklist as we head into the Christmas and New Year period.
Consider all care options before attending the midlands hospitals.
That's the advice from the HSE as we head into the Christmas and New Year period, as hospitals around the region are reporting a high number of patients presenting at the EDs.
There's been a sharp increase in the number of people attending with the Flu and Covid-19, as well as those who could be treated at other healthcare units, like a GP or pharmacy.
A-N-P for Older People at the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise, Alice Farrelly has this advice:
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