HSE South West advises that only urgent cases should attend Emergency Department at CUH

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 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.

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

ENDS

NOTES
• For press queries please contact: press.southwest@hse.ie