Know your care options for a safe and healthy Halloween

HSE South West is urging everyone to know where to access healthcare if they need it this bank holiday weekend, over Halloween and during the school mid-term.
In particular, the public are reminded to consider all their options before travelling the Emergency Department at University Hospital Kerry (UHK). The ED is experiencing high volumes of presentations and people requiring critical care will be prioritised.
Older people who need emergency care this weekend may also be supported by the HSE Kerry Pathfinder service, which responds to 999/112 calls from people aged 65 and older who may have fallen at home (including nursing homes) or become unwell.
Advanced paramedics, physiotherapists and occupational therapists will be available to this cohort in Kerry from 8am to 8pm on Sunday and Monday, helping older people to avoid an ED visit by offering care at home.
Julie O’Neill, HSE Manager for Kerry said:
“UHK has been exceptionally busy lately and Emergency Departments are often busier at bank holidays than at other times. That means that patients with non-urgent issues may face long waits, as we prioritise those most in need of care.
“In an emergency, it is important that you do not delay and that you either come to the ED, or dial 999/112. If you need emergency healthcare, HSE South West and University Hospital Kerry is here for you, but if it is non-urgent, we ask you to consider which healthcare option best meets your needs. For example, if you are over 65 and call an ambulance, you may be offered our Pathfinder service, where advanced paramedics, physiotherapists and occupational therapists can treat you at home. If you are offered this option, I urge you to take it.”
Care options over the weekend include:
• 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 are feeling unwell
• Local Injury Unit at Mallow – Injury units often offer shorter wait times, and offer consultant-led care including x-rays, care for fractures, treatment for burns and stitching. The Injury Unit at Mallow is convenient for many parts of Kerry, and is open this weekend from 8am to 8pm, for those aged 5 and over.
• 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