Laois public asked to consider options before attending hospital this bank holiday weekend

With services recovering after Storm Éowyn, the HSE is advising people to consider their options before attending at hospital emergency departments this Bank Holiday Weekend. 

Ahead of the weekend, the HSE Midlands issued a reminder for the public on the treatment options available before attending the hospital Emergency Department (ED). The HSE pointed to  a range of care pathways available to patients who do not need emergency care. 

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 said. 

Regional Executive Officer for the HSE Dublin and Midlands, Kate Killeen White said: “The sustained impact of Storm Éowyn nationally has been a challenge for all state agencies, not just the health service. The vast majority of the services in the HSE Dublin and Midlands have been restored and are operating as normal following the storm, thanks to the hard work and dedication of all of our staff across the region. Any services that are not fully functional have made contact with any affected service users and welfare checks have been conducted.

All response agencies are working together both regionally and nationally and for our services, for example, there are some challenges in our hospitals today discharging people because of the impact of power and heat in their homes. There are still knock on effects from the storm but our services are open and we would ask people to think about all the treatment options available before attending the Emergency Department, such as pharmacists, GPs, GP out-of-hours services and injury units.”

Head of Service,Older Person Services, HSE Midlands, Dr. Donal Fitzsimons said: “Whilst we fully appreciate that everyone will want to enjoy their weekend, however we would appeal to everyone to do so in a safe and enjoyable way. All patients who present to our emergency departments will be seen and treated, with the sickest and most urgent patients being prioritised.

However, patients presenting with non-urgent injuries may face longer waiting times, depending on the number of patients attending and the severity of patient illnesses. 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.”

The HSE has issued a list of options available to people. 

Visit a pharmacy for advice on common minor illnesses. Find out more here: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/pharmacy/

Make an appointment with a GP if feeling unwell and it is not an emergency

If people urgently need to see a GP outside of normal hours, they should contact their local GP Out of Hours service, details below:

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.

 HSE Injury Units

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.

The HSE is asking people to consider all healthcare options at this time including the injury units located in Mullingar, Roscommon, Naas and Nenagh.

1.   Mullingar Minor Injuries Unit

Charter Medical Private Hospital, Ballinderry, Mullingar, Westmeath, N91 FE40

Monday to Friday:             8am to 7.30pm.

Saturday and Sunday:      10am to 5.30pm.

Bank Holiday Mondays:    10am to 5.30pm

Service Available To:        Age 16 and older

Phone: 044 938 5331

2. Nenagh Injury Unit

Tyone, Nenagh, Tipperary, E45 PT86

Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, including Bank Holidays

Service Available To: Adults and children aged five and older

Phone: 067 423 11

3. Roscommon Injury Unit

Roscommon University Hospital, Athlone Road, Roscommon, F42 AX61

Monday to Sunday 8am to 8pm, including Bank Holidays

Service Available To: Adults and children aged 5 and older

Phone: 090 663 2212

4. 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

Phone: 045 872 135

Information on how to manage common illness and advice on when to get emergency help is also available at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/common-illnesses/ and https://www2.hse.ie/my-child/ in relation to children.