People in Kerry are encouraged to think about all their healthcare options before going to the Emergency Department

With Summer finally just around the corner, HSE South West is reminding everyone to make the most of the May Bank Holiday weekend while still remembering where to get urgent medical care if it’s needed.

People in Kerry are encouraged to think about all their healthcare options before going to the Emergency Department, which needs to be available for those requiring critical life-saving care. Care options over the weekend and next week include Mallow Injury Unit, GPs, the SouthDoc GP Out-of-Hours service and pharmacies.

Julie O’Neill, HSE South West Healthcare Area Manager for Kerry said:

“If you need urgent or emergency healthcare, HSE South West and University Hospital Kerry are always here for you, but we do ask you to consider which healthcare option best meets your needs. Unfortunately, Emergency Departments are usually busier at bank holidays, which means that patients with non-urgent issues may face long waits, as we must attend to critical cases first.

“In an emergency, it is so important that you do not delay and that you either come to the ED, or dial 999/112. For other care, there are a range of options open to you, close to your home.”

Options for non-emergency healthcare include:

• Self-care – Have a well-stocked medicine cabinet to help with common ailments
• Your local pharmacist: www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/pharmacy/
• Your GP (check routine prescriptions ahead of the bank holiday weekend)
• South Doc, the GP Out-of-Hours service on 0818 355 999
• Injury Unit – With shorter wait times, these 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 10 and over.

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

“With so many festivals, music gigs, sporting events, and Holy Communions on around Kerry this weekend, many people will be out and about. Hopefully, the weather will be fine, so friends and family get to enjoy time together outside – just remember the sunscreen.”

SunSmart Tips – even on cloudy days

New research shows a sharp increase in sunburn and low engagement with basic sun‑protection behaviours among younger age groups.

From April to September, the sun’s UV rays in Ireland are strong enough to damage your skin – even when it’s cloudy. Follow the SunSmart 5 S’s:

• Slip on clothing that covers your skin
• Slop on sunscreen (SPF 30+ for adults, 50+ for kids)
• Slap on a wide-brimmed hat
• Seek shade between 11am and 3pm
• Slide on sunglasses

Shirley O’Shea, the Senior Health Promotion and Improvement Officer - Cancer Prevention - HSE South West said:

“Your body and mind benefit from spending time outdoors, especially during the summer months. However, it is crucial that children, teenagers, and adults are protected and safe in the sun. Give young people the right habits now and it will stand to them for a lifetime.

“Make the SunSmart 5 S’s part of your daily routine, especially from now until September, when the UV radiation from the sun is at its most intense - even when it is cloudy. This is especially important for those working outside including those in construction, agriculture, transport, fisheries, maintenance, local authorities, and water safety.”