The public is being asked to consider all care options this St Patrick’s Day weekend as hospitals prepare for a busy period.
Emergency departments are expecting higher than normal attendances due to the bank holiday weekend and the HSE is calling for the public’s patience during long wait times.
Teams will continue to assist patients in moving as quickly as possible through the hospital system if they require hospital care.
This includes actions to support patients avoid ED admission, improving the experience of patients while in ED, ensuring effective movement within the hospitals and timely discharge to community services and other care supports.
“We know this is usually a very busy weekend in our health services has but we have plans in place across hospital and community services to ensure patients can access the care they need in the right setting,” a spokesperson said.
“If you urgently need to see a GP over the bank holiday weekend you should contact your local out of hours GP service. NoWDOC will operate in Donegal and South Leitrim, Caredoc in Sligo and Westdoc will be operation in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon from Friday evening until Tuesday morning. You can find your local GP out-of-hours service at https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-a-gp-out-of-hours/. Clinics are by appointment only so please call the relevant number to book one in advance of attendance.
“Additionally in Donegal the CIT (Community Interventions Team), a specialist health professional team, offers an extended service from 8am to 8pm, seven days per week and can be contacted in Donegal on 074 9109257 / 086 1082129.
“The CIT provides acute, short term nursing interventions, including wound management, oncology care, medication administration and management, patient education and support to promote self-management of catheters and stoma care.
“You can also access a range of support and advice at your local pharmacy. “
Another option of care is injury units, which treat non life-threatening injuries such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains, wounds, scalds and minor burns. You can find your local injury unit at www.hse.ie/injuryunits
The National Ambulance Service (NAS) has advised that Bank Holiday weekends also see an increase in call outs and are also urging the public to consider all care pathways in advance of contacting them. Community Paramedics continue to operate in Donegal, Mayo and Roscommon.
Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer, HSE West and North West has asked that all avenues of care be explored in advance of attending your local ED. “Bank Holiday weekends usually result in increased attendances at our hospitals. To help alleviate this, we would ask that all care options available considered before attending your local ED.
“Care options include GP out-of-hours services, local pharmacies and injury units. However, if you do have a genuine emergency please go to your local hospital where you will be seen,” he said.
Meanwhile Dr Áine McNamara, Regional Director of Public Health, HSE West and North West had the following advice “There are respiratory illnesses and the winter vomiting bug, norovirus, circulating in our community. Take care if visiting those more vulnerable in hospitals or residential care facilities this bank holiday weekend. If you are feeling unwell you should avoid visiting until you are better and take care to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of spread of infections.”
