HSE South West advise only urgent cases should attend Emergency Department at Cork University Hospital

HSE South West advises that the Emergency Department at CUH is currently experiencing very high levels of activity.

We are advising people to attend the Emergency Department if they have an urgent or emergency care need but if they have a less serious condition to consider all care options - including Minor Injury Units, their own GP, Pharmacists and SouthDoc out-of-hours GP services.

In the Emergency Department, patients are prioritised based on their most urgent care needs and people with less urgent care needs can wait a long time to be seen.

Your GP can also access Urgent Virtual Care (UVC), a new regional telehealth service which allows GPs and Paramedics to discuss your situation directly by phone, or by video call, with a senior Physician in Emergency Medicine or Geriatric Medicine. They can advise you if you need to attend the ED.

Chief Executive Officer, Cork University Hospital Jennifer Kearney said:

“The Emergency Department at CUH is currently very busy, and seeing very high numbers of people attending. With these numbers of people needing emergency care, it’s important that we make sure they can be seen quickly according to clinical priority. I ask everyone to consider: ‘Is the ED the right place for my care?’ There are excellent alternatives available - including local GPs, pharmacies, SouthDoc, and injury units that can offer prompt and appropriate support. We thank our community for their consideration.”

Know your options if you need medical treatment:

1. Self-care – Have a well-stocked medicine cabinet to help with colds and sore throats

2. Pharmacy – Ask your pharmacist for advice on common minor illnesses

3. GP Surgery – Make an appointment with your GP if you’re feeling unwell

4. Local Injury Unit - For minor injuries, broken bones and burns. See www.hse.ie/injuryunits for more information

5. Out-of-Hours GP – if your GP clinic is closed, call SouthDoc on 0818 355 999

6. ED or 999/112 – For emergencies, please visit your nearest ED