People in Galway are being urged to consider all their healthcare options ahead of what is expected to be a busy Bank Holiday weekend for the health service.
For those in need of healthcare over the weekend, they are being asked to consider the Westdoc Out of Hours GP service and pharmacies before coming to the emergency department.
Emergency Departments treat seriously ill patients. Visit an ED or call 999 or 112 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
Those with less severe injuries and symptoms may have to wait to be seen.
Tony Canavan, CEO Saolta University Health Care Group said, “We are preparing for increased demand for hospital services in the West this bank holiday weekend.”
“Our Emergency Departments can be very busy over long weekends and I apologise to anyone who experiences a long wait time in the ED as we prioritise treating those in need of urgent care.”
“Please remember that if you need emergency care we will be there to provide it, but if it is not an emergency please consider all other care options in the first instance.”
“We continue to work in collaboration with our colleagues in community services to ensure that patients are receiving the right care at the right time, in the right place this bank holiday weekend.”
Westdoc provides out of hours GP care services for people living in Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon.
It will be available on 0818 360 000 from 6pm on Friday, February 2 to 9am on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.
Dr Áine McNamara, Area Director of Public Health, Department of Public Health HSE West and North West added that it is important for young people to keep up with their vaccinations.
“As we approach the bank holiday weekend and February mid-term, we are reminding parents of the importance of ensuring children and young people are up to date with their vaccinations.”
“As there is a rise in cases of Measles in the UK and Europe currently, we are advising people to ensure they are up to date with the safe and effective MMR vaccine.”
“Getting vaccinated against diseases like measles, mumps and rubella is vitally important as these conditions can also lead to other serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.”
“Remember, if you or your child has missed their childhood vaccines, it’s not too late to catch up.”
