Plan Ahead for a Safe Bank Holiday Weekend – Know Your Care Options

HSE South West is advising everyone to stay safe and avoid needing emergency healthcare this bank holiday weekend.

Over the August bank holiday weekend, the public are asked to slow down on the roads, take care during outdoor activities and also to know where to access healthcare if they need it this weekend.

Priscilla Lynch, HSE Manager for Cork South and West, said:

“We hope that everyone stays safe this bank holiday weekend, whether that’s travelling, enjoying festivals and gatherings, attending sporting events or making the most of our wonderful outdoor amenities. If you need urgent or emergency healthcare, HSE South West is here for you, but we ask you to consider which healthcare option best meets your needs.”

Care options this weekend include injury units, the SouthDoc GP Out of Hours service and pharmacies for useful advice.

Ms Lynch added:

“Unfortunately, Emergency Departments are often busier at bank holidays than at other times of the year. That means that patients with non-urgent issues may face long waits, as we prioritise those most in need of care.”

The public are reminded that injury units often offer shorter wait times, and offer consultant-led care including X-rays, care for fractures, treatment for burns and stitching.

Injury Units Open This Weekend:

• Mercy Urgent Care, Gurranabraher: 8am–6pm (ages 10+)
• Mallow Urgent Care: 8am–8pm (ages 5+)
• Bantry Urgent Care: 8am–8pm (ages 5+)
• Irish Life Health expresscare Clinic: 10am–8pm (ages 12 months+)

A wide range of services will be available for those who need them this weekend, so consider which options are best for you:

• 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 Unit – 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

HSE Manager for Cork South and West Priscilla Lynch added: “We ask the public to help us by considering which part of the health service can best support them when they need it. In an emergency, it’s really important that you do not delay and that you either come to the ED, or dial 999/112. For other care, there are a range of options open to you.”

The Ambulance Service asked members of the public visiting and using amenities including sports grounds and pitches to park carefully and to allow space for access by the emergency services if needed.

Rob Moriarty, of NAS South West said:

“Summer is always busy across Cork and Kerry, with many people making the most of the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful outdoor amenities on our doorstep. We ask the public to remember that in the event of an emergency, ambulances may need to access beaches and other amenity sites. Please make sure that you don’t block that access.”