Keep access clear for emergency services and know your healthcare options this August Bank Holiday weekend

HSE South West is encouraging everyone in Kerry to enjoy the August bank holiday weekend safely, by being aware of their local healthcare options and helping to keep access clear for emergency services.

As many people will be attending festivals, coastal events, matches and other outdoor activities this weekend, the National Ambulance Service is asking the public to help keep access clear for ambulances, so crews can reach patients without delay.

Dr Anne Sheahan, HSE South West Regional Director of Public Health, HSE South West said:

“Whether you’re visiting friends, attending a festival, or or staying local, I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable bank holiday weekend. Kerry has some of the most beautiful beaches and forest walks in the country, and I encourage people to take care near the shoreline. Please also be mindful that alcohol can increase risks around water.”

Rob Moriarty, General Manager, National Ambulance Service, HSE South West said:

“As we head into the August Bank Holiday weekend, we are asking everyone to enjoy the weekend safely and to please park responsibly, particularly in busy coastal, tourist and event locations. Illegally or poorly parked vehicles can delay emergency ambulances and other responders from reaching patients when every minute matters. Please ensure your Eircode is known or visible in case you need to call 112/999.

“The holiday period traditionally brings very high demand for ambulance services, and we ask the public to be mindful that we must always prioritise the most serious and life threatening incidents. To help ensure patients receive the right care in the right place, our Community Paramedic teams and our Advanced Paramedic Practitioner Car (APPCAR) service will be treating people with less urgent issues within their communities where possible, helping to avoid unnecessary Emergency Department attendances and supporting hospital capacity.”

HSE South West Kerry Pathfinder will also be operational this weekend, with advanced paramedics, physiotherapists and occupational therapists on duty on Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 8am to 8pm each day, providing rapid, on scene assessment in people’s homes and nursing homes for those aged 65 and over who call 999 or 112.

Julie O’Neill, HSE Manager for Kerry, HSE South West, commented:

“Bank holiday weekends and good weather often result in our health services being busier than usual, so I would encourage people to consider all their healthcare options if they do become unwell or injured. If you need urgent or critical care, please come to the Emergency Department at UHK. However, you may face a long wait if your injury or illness is less serious, so consider other options: Injury Units are a good choice for urgent but non life threatening injuries, and some people in Kerry may find the Mallow Injury Unit particularly accessible. Pharmacies and SouthDoc will also be available over the weekend, offering timely support and helping us keep Emergency Departments for those who need them most.”

Options for non emergency healthcare include:

• Self care – keep a well stocked medicine cabinet
• Your local pharmacist
• Your GP – fill routine prescriptions ahead of the weekend
• SouthDoc – GP Out of Hours service on 0818 355 999
• Mallow Injury Unit – accessible for many people in Kerry

Injury Units treat injuries that are not life threatening, such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains, wounds, scalds and minor burns.

ENDS