Busy St Brigid's weekend causes Portlaoise hospital to make public appeal
Hospital manager backs HSE message about attendance at Emergency Department
The manager of Portlaoise hospital has backed a Brigid's Day holiday weekend to the public to find alternatives to going to the hospital in non-emergency situations.
Ahead of the Brigid's Day Bank Holiday weekend, HSE services in the Midlands have issued a public appeal to remind the public of their treatment options before attending the Emergency Department (A&E/ED) at the hospital.
It highlighted access for community and hospital services and encouraged the public to look at all options available as hospital and community health services expect to be busy.
John Joyce, General Manager, Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise endorsed the message.
“While we are preparing for a busy Bank Holiday period in the hospital, we ask everyone to consider all options before going to ED. Those who believe they may be seriously ill and require emergency care should of course come to the hospital, but we would urge others to consider seeking support from pharmacists, GPs, GP out-of-hours services and injury units.
Pictured: John Joyce, Portlaoise hospital manager.
"Patients who present at the Emergency Department in Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise with non-urgent conditions may experience long wait times to be seen. Any patient who needs emergency hospital care will be seen and we would urge such patients not to delay attending the ED. Do not delay in seeking medical attention if you suspect you are having a heart attack or stroke, please dial 999 or 112 in an emergency," said Mr Joyce.
The HSE outlined a range of care pathways available to patients who do not need emergency care including:
- Visit your pharmacy for advice on common minor illnesses. Find out more here https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/pharmacy/
- Make an appointment with your GP if you’re feeling unwell and it is not an emergency
- If you urgently need to see a GP outside of normal hours, contact your local GP Out of Hours service, details below:
It also highlighted the Out of Hours Urgent GP Services.
MIDOC is an appointment only GP service located in the Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath areas. This service is for patients who need urgent medical attention that cannot wait to be seen by their usual GP. Opening Hours: Weekdays, Monday to Thursday 6pm to 8am. Weekends 6pm Friday to 8am Monday. All day on Bank Holidays. Telephone 1800 302 702 or go to GP Out of Hours service: GP out-of-hours service - HSE.ie for more information.
An Injury Unit can treat a wide range of injuries such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains and strains, minor burns and scalds for all patients. All units have access to x-ray and basic diagnostic services. For more information see www.hse.ie/injuryunits. See details of Injury Units in the midlands below.
- Mullingar Minor Injuries Unit
Charter Medical Private Hospital, Ballinderry, Mullingar, Westmeath, N91 FE40
Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.
Saturday and Sunday 10am to 6pm.
Closed Bank Holiday Mondays.
Service Available To: Age 16 and older
- Nenagh Injury Unit
Tyone, Nenagh, Tipperary, E45 PT86
Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, including Bank Holidays
Service Available To: Adults and children aged 5 and older
- Roscommon Injury Unit
Roscommon University Hospital, Athlone Road, Roscommon, F42 AX61
Monday to Sunday 8am to 8pm, including Bank Holidays
- Naas Hospital Injury Unit
Vista Primary Care Centre, Ballymore Eustace Road, Naas, Kildare, W91 X38W
Monday to Sunday 10am to 8pm. Service Available To: Age 16 and older
- Emergency Departments treat seriously ill patients. Visit an ED or call 999 or 112 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. Those with less severe injuries and symptoms may have to wait to be seen in Emergency Departments
The HSE urged people to plan ahead and make sure you have enough of any medications you might need over the bank holiday, both over the counter and prescription medicines.
Information on how to manage common illness and advice on when to get emergency help is also available at https://www2.hse.ie/living-well/ and https://www2.hse.ie/my-child/ in relation to children.