HSE South West Press Release: Know Your Care Options in Kerry this New Year

HSE South West is asking the public to take extra care over the New Year period and to use the Emergency Department (ED) at University Hospital Kerry (UHK) only when urgent care is needed. UHK has been exceptionally busy particularly in the past two days and remains under significant sustained pressure. HSE South West are asking you to consider the full range of services available including community services before attending the ED.

Julie O’Neill, HSE Manager for Kerry, said:

“Our Emergency Department at UHK is currently experiencing very high levels of attendance and continues to be extremely challenged. If you need urgent or emergency care, our teams are here to help. However, we are asking people to think very carefully about which service is most appropriate for their needs, so that those who are seriously unwell can be seen as quickly as possible.”

Care options over the next few days include:

• Self-care – Have a well-stocked medicine cabinet to help with colds and sore throats
• Pharmacy – Ask your pharmacist for advice on common minor illnesses
• GP Surgery – Make an appointment with your GP if you’re feeling unwell
• Local Injury Units at Bantry and Mallow – For minor injuries, broken bones and burns. See www.hse.ie/injuryunits for more information
• Out-of-Hours GP – if your GP clinic is closed, call SouthDoc on 0818 355 999
• ED or 999/112 – For emergencies, please visit your nearest ED

Ms O’Neill continued:

“Winter illnesses are placing additional pressure on all our services. As a result, patients with less urgent problems may experience longer waiting times while we prioritise those who are most seriously ill. By choosing the right care at the right time, the public can really support our hospital teams and help ensure that emergency care is available for those who need it most. In an emergency, please do not delay, come to the ED or call 999/112 immediately.”

Many GP’s across the country are providing additional in-person sessions for respiratory/acute consultations, details of these additional clinics can be found on their websites or by contacting the practice directly.

Local Injury Units often have shorter waiting times and provide consultant-led assessment and treatment, including X-rays, treatment of fractures, burns and wound care. The Injury Units at Bantry and Mallow are open from 8am to 8pm for patients aged 10 years and over.