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

Health services in the West and North West wish to remind the public of all their care options ahead of the May Bank Holiday weekend.

HSE West and North West has plans in place across its hospital and community services to ensure patients can access the care they need in the right setting.

Additional GP out-of-hours services will operate across the region over the bank holiday.

Pharmacies are also on hand to provide support and advice throughout the long weekend.

Typically emergency departments see higher attendances over bank holiday weekends.

Teams will continue to work closely to assist patients move 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.

Injury units treat injuries that are not life-threatening, such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains, wounds, scalds and minor burns.

Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer, HSE West and North West urged the public to consider all care options.

“As we approach this Bank Holiday weekend we know that our hospitals tend to get busier with increased numbers of attendances and so we are asking people to consider all of the options that are available to receive care.

“GP out-of-hours services, local pharmacists and indeed injury units are all available to provide care and support to those who need it. And of course if you do need if you do have a genuine emergency do go to your local hospital where you will receive care,” he said.

Details of injury unit locations and what they can and cannot treat are available here hse.ie/injuryunits

If you urgently need to see a GP outside of their clinic hours, GP Out of Hours information is available on the HSE website here https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-a-gp-out-of-hours/.