HSE encourages public to consider all care options this Bank Holiday weekend

HSE West and North West is advising people To be aware of their healthcare options this Bank Holiday weekend.
 
If you do get sick this bank holiday weekend there are a number of healthcare options available; plan ahead, know your options and stay safe.

The month of January has been extremely busy across health services in the West and North West, with continued high levels of attendance at emergency departments and sustained demand for inpatient care.

January has placed significant pressure on our hospitals, with high numbers of patients requiring care across emergency, medical and surgical services. Our staff have worked exceptionally hard to meet this demand and we are doing everything we can to minimise any delays for patients in accessing care.

Emergency departments tend to be busier at holiday weekends than at other times of the year. We are asking people to choose the right care in the right place over the bank holiday. This helps ensure that emergency departments can focus on those who are most unwell.

We continue to monitor service pressures closely and are working to support patient flow, including timely discharge planning and the use of community supports where appropriate.
 
If you urgently need to see a GP over the bank holiday weekend you should contact your local out of hours GP service. The service is open all weekend but you do need to make an appointment in advance. GP Out of Hours information is available on the HSE website here
 
You can also access a range of support and advice at your local pharmacy.
 
Roscommon injury unit is open from 8am to 8pm every day of the year, which treat non life-threatening injuries such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains, wounds, scalds, and minor burns. They can help with many of the injuries people go to the emergency department for including x-rays. You do not need an appointment to attend an injury unit. You can find your local injury unit here

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. Please dial 112 or 999 for emergency care if there is concern for serious illness or injury. 
 

HSE supports

·        Find urgent and emergency care

·        Get a flu vaccine

·        Get a COVID-19 vaccine

·        Information and advice about your mental health and wellbeing

·        Winter and older people