Regional hospital Mullingar prepares for Fleadh 2023
After last year’s success, 500,000 people are again expected to visit Mullingar between Sunday next, August 6, and Sunday week next, August 14, for Fleadh Cheoil. The large numbers of people in Mullingar will put greater strain on the Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar (RHM).
Management there have been working with the Emergency Management Office, HSE East Region, the Order of Malta and NAS (National Ambulance Service) regarding the planned onsite medical cover in place during the fleadh .
With that in mind, hospital management and staff are asking the public, and visitors to the town to be careful over the week during the fleadh, especially with regard to consuming alcohol.
Advice includes:
• Keep cool and stay hydrated – sip water and take breaks from dancing. Give yourself time to cool down.
• Bring appropriate clothing and footwear for both wet and dry weather conditions.
• Be in the know before you go – see the HSE’s festival information on the latest trends.
• Don’t mix – mixing alcohol and prescription medication increases your risk of becoming unwell.
• Be with people you trust and don’t be afraid to get help.
Anyone attending the Emergency Department in Mullingar over the course of fleadh may experience long waiting times.
Patients also have the option to attend the RHM Minor Injuries Unit at Charter Medical, Ballinderry; Eircode N91 FE40. It is a walk-in service and no referral is necessary. Full diagnostics are available. Patients who require treatment for minor injuries will be encouraged to attend that service. There is a fee of €75 and it is free to medical card patients and patients who are exempt from public hospital emergency department charges.
RHM MIU operational hours
Monday to Friday: 8am-6pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 10am-6pm.
Bank holiday Mondays: closed.
Hospital management would like to thank the public in advance for their support and understanding during this busy period.