Where to go for urgent healthcare in Cork this St Brigid’s Day Bank Holiday weekend

As St Brigid’s Day Bank Holiday weekend approaches, HSE South West is encouraging the public to familiarise themselves with the urgent care options available in Cork. Emergency Departments typically see increased activity over bank holiday weekends, with the most seriously ill and injured prioritised. This can lead to longer waiting times for less urgent cases. For many minor injuries, an Injury Unit may provide quicker access to assessment and treatment. These units offer consultant‑led care, including X‑rays, fracture management, treatment for burns and wound care.

Options for non-emergency healthcare 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
• Your GP (check routine prescriptions ahead of the bank holiday weekend)
• Out-of-Hours GP – if your GP clinic is closed, call SouthDoc on 0818 355 999
• Injury Units – full list on hse.ie/injuryunits

Priscilla Lynch, HSE manager for Cork South and West, said:

“SouthDoc provides timely, convenient, and well-coordinated care for many non-emergency situations, offering an alternative to visiting the emergency department. SouthDoc, offers faster, more accessible, and more coordinated care than the emergency department for many non-emergency situations. By providing direct access to doctors and nurses, supporting continuity with your GP, and ensuring patient safety and confidentiality, SouthDoc helps keep the Emergency Department available for true emergencies while caring for the community at every step.”

ENDS