Wexford General Hospital emergency department extremely busy as HSE encourages people to consider all care options

The emergency department (ED) at Wexford General Hospital is extremely busy with high numbers of people attending the department, some of whom will need to be admitted to hospital for ongoing treatment.

The hospital is currently advising that patients who attend its ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience longer waiting times. We would urge the public to use alternative healthcare services for treatment such as GPs, GP Out of Hours or pharmacists where appropriate. But if patients are very sick and in an emergency situation they should come to the ED.

The HSE acknowledges that these delays are difficult for patients and apologises for the inconvenience delays may cause and that patients may have to wait for care during these very busy periods. The ED is always available to treat seriously ill patients, and the sickest patients are seen first.

All beds in the hospital are in use, and every effort is being made to manage patient flow to ensure patients who need to be admitted, are at the earliest opportunity.

Community pharmacists provide expert advice and over-the-counter treatments for a wide range of minor illnesses. In addition to this expert advice, a new service is available which allows pharmacists to supply prescription-only medication without the need to see a GP. The following common conditions can be treated under the Common Conditions Service; allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, cystitis (uncomplicated urinary tract infection), vaginal thrush. Information about the scheme is available on the HSE website here.