HSE urges public to consider all care options this bank holiday weekend

As the October Bank Holiday approaches, the HSE is encouraging members of the public to consider their available healthcare options before attending emergency departments (EDs).

There are a wide range of services, including GPs, pharmacists, injury units and GP Out of Hours services that may offer more appropriate and timely care for urgent (but not life threatening) health issues.

All patients who present to emergency departments will be seen and treated, with the most seriously unwell patients cared for first. Any patient requiring emergency hospital treatment should not delay and should come to their emergency department or dial 999 or 112 in an emergency.

However, patients with non-urgent conditions may experience longer waiting times depending on demand and the severity of cases. HSE staff are committed to providing care as swiftly as possible and regret any delays experienced during busy periods.

Dr Rosa McNamara, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, St Vincent’s Hospital, Clinical Lead, HSE National Emergency Medicine Programme said “If emergency care is needed, patients should not hesitate to attend their nearest Emergency Department or call 999 or 112. EDs are designed to treat life-threatening conditions and while all patients will be seen and cared for, we prioritise the most seriously ill and injured patients. This means that those with less serious issues wait longer while the urgent patients are assessed and treated. Other care options for non-emergencies include injury units, GP Out of Hours services, GPs, and community pharmacies. Resources like the HSE symptom checker can also guide you to the right service for your need.”

Find your nearest emergency department, injury unit and GP out-of-hours services

Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines

The HSE is urging all people eligible to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones, and to reduce their risk of serious illness and hospitalisation.

The HSE is offering free flu and COVID-19 vaccines at participating GP clinics, pharmacies, and community health centres.

The children’s nasal spray flu vaccine is also available for all children aged 2 to 17 years from participating GPs and Pharmacies. The nasal spray flu vaccine is safe, effective and painless.

The flu vaccine is strongly recommended and free for:

• Everyone aged 60 years and older
• People with underlying medical conditions
• Healthcare workers (staff and students in healthcare and social care)
• All children aged 2–17 years
• Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
• Carers and household contacts of people at higher risk
• Residents of nursing homes and other long-stay facilities
• People with regular close contact with poultry, waterfowl or pigs

The COVID-19 vaccine is strongly recommended and free for:

• People aged 60 years and older
• People living in a long-term care facility and are age 18 or older
• People who have a weak immune system, or have a health condition that puts them, at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19

For further information on vaccination, or care options available visit HSE.ie