Stay safe this busy August bank holiday

Ahead of the bank holiday weekend, the HSE advises people to look after themselves and others, and be aware of where to get help if needed.

Bernard Gloster, CEO, HSE, said:

“Over the busy August bank holiday, people may be out travelling, enjoying outdoor activities, events or festivals. While we hope everyone stays safe enjoying the long weekend, accidents, illness and issues can unfortunately occur. There are many care options to consider including injury units, GP Out of Hours, GPs and community pharmacies. Additionally, many everyday illnesses can be treated at home, visit the HSE website for the symptom checker and information on when to get help.

“However, any patient requiring emergency hospital treatment should not delay, they should come to their local ED or dial 999 or 112 in an emergency. EDs are for life threatening emergencies, but all patients who present to our emergency departments will be seen and treated, with the sickest and most urgent patients being prioritised.

“We anticipate that emergency departments will be busy over the weekend. Patients presenting with non-urgent injuries may face longer waiting times, depending on the number of people attending and the severity of patient illnesses. Our staff work hard to do all they can to reduce the length of time patients wait in EDs and we apologise for any long delays people might experience.”

Injury units

Injury units treat injuries that are not life threatening and are open seven days a week, no appointment is needed. The injury units see minor injuries, such as some broken bones, wounds, bites, cuts, scalds, small abscesses, splinters etc. For those who are seriously ill, for example with head injuries, chest pains, shortness of breath, seizures, please do not delay in attending the emergency department.  For injury unit locations and further information on that service please visit hse.ie/injuryunits

Grace Rothwell, National Director, Access and Integration, HSE said:

“We have plans in place right across our hospital and community services to support high attendances at emergency departments over the August bank holiday weekend. However, it is important that people continue to consider all care options available to them including injury units, GP Out of Hours and community pharmacy.

Our hospital and community teams work closely to help patients move as quickly as possible through the hospital system. This includes supporting patients avoid ED attendance, improving the experience of patients while in ED, ensuring efficiency of movement within hospitals and safe and timely discharge.  The increased presence of senior decision-makers and other staff is arranged to support flow right across this BH weekend in our hospitals and our community services. National, regional and local management continue to work together, including throughout the public holiday weekend to support the system.

“Importantly, we hope everyone has a healthy and safe weekend, but please be assured HSE hospitals and staff are here to help you in an emergency if needed.”

Find your nearest emergency department, injury unit and GP out-of-hours services in Ireland here https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-urgent-emergency-care/