HSE asks for public co-operation ahead of anticipated increase in demand for service this coming week

The HSE is today asking all members of the public to engage in the range of services available to them when seeking care, this week, traditionally the week of highest demand for health services. There are a variety of options, depending on the patient need, including advice on self-care for flu like symptoms on www.hse.ie, pharmacy advice and support, GPs, GP Out of Hours, Injury Units and of course the ambulance service and Emergency Departments for urgent situations.

Commenting on the week ahead HSE CEO Bernard Gloster said:

“We have had an exceptionally positive improvement in patient flow over both the Christmas and the high flu season which came earlier this year than in previous years. All of our staff and services have responded and we are seeing the benefits of investment and reform when compared to other years. We do know however from experience, that the first full week of the New Year is always one of exceptionally high demand regardless of the levels of flu. People will have all of the normal healthcare needs and there will also be cases where people have deferred care over Christmas holidays. That, added to the high levels of movement as people return to work and school all contributes to a surge in demand for healthcare at the same time.”

The range of services available are fully open and operational. We have invested in extra GP hours both in surgery and Out of Hours services, all of our Primary Care Centres are open and many extra sources of advice and support are available from community-based nursing and allied health professionals. However, even with a full range of services available, it is expected people will experience waiting times for care.

Bernard Gloster said:

“Patients will be assessed and triaged and treated in accordance with their needs and condition. The public should never avoid seeking care and anyone in difficulty and unsure what to do should of course go to an Emergency Department. If however a patient’s needs are suitable to other care options they should use those options where they will be seen more quickly. Depending on circumstances and in all non-urgent cases patients can expect to have some waiting time in both ED and GP services. We know weather conditions are also more challenging and likely to remain so for the coming days in some parts of the country. We are asking the public to work with us and please respect our staff, they are there to care for you but are also responding to many needs. While we have and continue to make great progress in all of our services I do expect this week to be challenging and working together with the public we can manage this for all.”