HSE West and North West encourages public to consider all care options this May Holiday weekend

Health services in Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal and West Cavan are reminding the public to be aware of all available care options ahead of the May Bank Holiday weekend.

Bank holiday periods traditionally place additional pressure on health services, which can be further compounded by good weather. People are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the range of care pathways available and to consider the most appropriate option before attending Emergency Departments (EDs).

Emergency Departments will experience higher than normal attendances due to the bank holiday period, and the HSE is asking for the public’s patience, particularly where longer waiting times may occur.

People are advised to plan ahead, choose the most appropriate care option for their needs, and to stay sun smart while enjoying time outdoors.

John Fitzmaurice, HSE Integrated Healthcare Area Manager, Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal and West Cavan said: “Our priority this bank holiday weekend is to ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. While Emergency Departments are there to treat serious illness and injury, a wide range of community-based services are available and may offer quicker and more appropriate care for less urgent needs.

Even though we have plans in place across hospital and community services to manage increased demand over the Bank Holiday weekend, we are encouraging people to consider alternatives such as their local pharmacy, GP services and Injury Units which can provide timely advice and treatment for many non-urgent conditions. Community pharmacies can also support a range of minor illnesses through the Common Conditions Service, helping patients access appropriate care quickly and safely, and ensuring Emergency Departments remain available for those who require urgent or life-saving care.

“We wish everyone a safe and healthy weekend. Our staff remain available to provide care when needed, and all patients who attend an Emergency Department will be assessed and treated, with those who are most seriously ill or injured seen as a priority.”

Care options available this May Bank Holiday weekend include:

• GP Out-of-Hours Service (Caredoc and Nowdoc):
  If you urgently need to see a GP over the bank holiday weekend, you should contact your local out-of-hours GP service, Caredoc and Nowdoc. The service operates across the weekend, appointments must be made in advance. GP Out of Hours information is available on the HSE website here.
• Your local pharmacy
  Community pharmacists provide expert advice and over-the-counter treatments for a wide range of minor illnesses. In addition to this expert advice, a new service is available which allows pharmacists to supply prescription-only medication without the need to see a GP.
  The following common conditions can be treated under the Common Conditions Service; allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, cystitis (uncomplicated urinary tract infection), vaginal thrush. Information about the scheme is available on the HSE website here.
• Injury Units – Roscommon Injury Unit:
  Roscommon Injury Unit is open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, including bank holidays. It treats non-life-threatening injuries such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains, wounds, scalds and minor burns. The unit provides services such as X-rays, plaster casts, and wound care. No appointment is required; patients can attend directly. You can find your local injury unit here.
• Mental health supports
  Information about when to get help, organisations that provide mental health services and types of specialist services are available here.

As always if you or someone else is seriously ill or needs urgent emergency care, do not delay going to the ED or dialling 999/112 for help.

HSE supports

• Find urgent and emergency care
• Information and advice about your mental health and wellbeing
• Protecting your skin from the sun and sunbeds
• Keep up-to-date with screening and vaccinations
• Common conditions service