HSE encourages public to consider all care options over Bank Holiday weekend
Emergency departments tend to be busier at holiday weekends than at other times of the year.
HSE West and North West is advising people in Galway and Roscommon to be aware of their healthcare options over the course of this Bank Holiday weekend.
For those who do get sick this bank holiday weekend, there are a number of healthcare options available — plan ahead, know your options and stay safe.
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,” said Ann Cosgrove, HSE Healthcare Manager, Galway and Roscommon.
“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,” Ms Cosgrove continued.
For those who urgently need to see a GP over the bank holiday weekend, they should contact their local out of hours GP service. The out of hours GP service in this region is Westdoc. 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.
A range of support and advice can also be accessed at your local pharmacy.
Roscommon Injury Unit is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 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.
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.
