Limerick patient encourages public to use Injury Units for minor injuries

A Limerick man who received treatment for a minor burn at the Injury Unit in St John’s Hospital is encouraging people to learn more about the service and when it should be used.

Paul Tierney attended the unit after sustaining a burn to his leg while inflating an air mattress. After several days of self-managing the injury, he sought treatment at St John’s Hospital. Paul said:

Paul works in the construction industry where colleagues who sustain minor injuries while working are advised to attend an Injury Unit rather than ED. "I would encourage anyone with a recent minor injury to consider attending an Injury Unit, but it's also important that people understand how the service works."

Paul was one of 25,657 patients who attended Injury Units at St John’s, Ennis and Nenagh hospitals for new and review appointments in the first six months of 2026. Most patients are treated and discharged within two hours, with follow-up appointments arranged where required.

Healthcare staff say there is still some confusion about the role of Injury Units, with patients sometimes attending with conditions that are not suitable for treatment there.
Dr Azza Mohamed, Registrar at St John’s Hospital, encouraged anyone unsure about attending to contact their local Injury Unit beforehand. “If you’re unsure whether your injury is suitable for treatment in an Injury Unit, give us a call. We can advise you on the most appropriate service.”

All three units in the Mid West are open 8am-8pm every day. Contact numbers are as follows:

• St John’s Hospital, Limerick: 061 462132
• Ennis Hospital: 065 6863121
• Nenagh Hospital: 067 42311

Dr Joe Kelly, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at University Hospital Limerick, said Injury Units are designed to treat recent, non-life-threatening injuries.

“Injury Units are the right place for injuries such as fractures, sprains, strains, cuts requiring stitches, scalds and minor burns. However, chest pain and other medical emergencies should be assessed in an Emergency Department.”

Dr Kelly also reminded the public that a GP referral is not required to attend an Injury Unit. “If you have had a recent injury, you can attend an Injury Unit directly. Patients are triaged and assessed on arrival and seen according to clinical priority.”