The HSE is expecting a very challenging January for hospitals.
The pressure on the health system is going to get worse before it gets better.
That's according to the HSE, which has warned it doesn't believe the situation is at it's peak yet.
Mullingar Regional Hospital has issued an appeal for patients to consider alternative options before attending its emergency department, as it's 'extremely busy.'
Management say patients who require urgent care however, will be prioritised.
They are reminding patients with the following injuries to consider attending the Regional Hospital Mullingar Minor Injury Unit located at Charter Medical Private Hospital in Ballinderry, Mullingar:
• Suspected broken bones to arm (from collar bone to fingertip)
• Suspected broken bones in legs (from knees to toes)
• Sprains and strains
• Wounds, bites (animal or insect) cuts, grazes and scalp laceration
• Minor burns and scalds
• Foreign bodies
• Minor chest injuries
HSE Chief of Operations, Damien McCallion, says a very challenging January is expected:
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