HSE West and North West encourages the public to know their care options ahead of the June Bank Holiday weekend

Health services in Donegal are encouraging the public to familiarise themselves with all available care options ahead of the June Bank Holiday weekend and to choose the most suitable service for their needs before going to an Emergency Department (ED).

Health services typically come under increased strain during bank holiday weekends, especially when good weather encourages more outdoor activity. This may lead to longer waiting times, particularly for less urgent conditions. The HSE is appealing to the public for patience and understanding during this particularly busy period.

To help ensure that emergency care is prioritised for those who need it most, people are encouraged to think ahead and consider alternatives such as GPs, out-of-hours services and pharmacies where appropriate.

As many people will be spending more time outdoors, the HSE also reminds everyone to take care in the sun by drinking plenty of water, wearing sunscreen, and limiting time in direct sunlight during peak hours.

By making informed choices about where to seek care and taking simple precautions to stay safe, the public can help ease pressure on health services over the weekend.

Dermot Monaghan, HSE Integrated Healthcare Area Manager, Donegal said: “Our focus this bank holiday weekend is on ensuring patients get the care they need, in the most appropriate setting, and as quickly as possible.

“Although additional measures are in place across both hospital and community services to manage the expected increase in demand, we are asking people to think about all available care options before attending an Emergency Department. For many non-urgent conditions, local GPs and pharmacies can offer prompt advice and treatment. Through the Common Conditions Service, community pharmacies are also equipped to manage a range of minor illnesses, helping patients receive care close to home and ensuring Emergency Departments are reserved for those in urgent or critical need.

“Our staff are here to support patients at all times. Everyone who presents to an Emergency Department will be assessed and treated, with priority given to those with the most serious or life-threatening conditions.

“We wish everyone a safe and healthy June Bank Holiday weekend and remember to be SunSmart.”

Care options available this June Bank Holiday weekend include:

• GP Out-of-Hours Service (Nowdoc):
  If you urgently need to see a GP over the bank holiday weekend, you should contact your local out-of-hours GP service, 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.
• 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