As the August bank holiday approaches the HSE in the West and North West is encouraging the public to know what healthcare options are available should you or family need them.
If you urgently need to see a GP outside their clinic hours, you can contact your local GP out-of-hours service. Additional practice staff will be working over the long weekend to deal with an expected increase in demand.
You must make an appointment to see an out of hours GP, details of how to get in touch with your local service are available here.
Roscommon injury unit is also an alternative to a busy ED, treating breaks, sprains, burns and wounds and is open from 8am to 8pm 365 days per year.
The unit can see, diagnose and treat a wide range of injuries for both adults and children over five years old. You don’t need an appointment or a GP referral. Details of injury unit locations and what they can and cannot treat are available here.
Please do not visit a healthcare setting (this includes hospitals, nursing homes and residential care facilities) if you are feeling unwell. If you have any symptoms of respiratory illness, vomiting or diarrhoea you should postpone your visit.
If you or someone else is seriously ill or needs urgent emergency care do not delay going to ED or dialling 999/112 for help.
Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer HSE West and North West said, “As the last long weekend of the summer approaches I want to remind everyone that our health and emergency services are here for you if you need them.”
“We tend to see a high number of people attending emergency departments over bank holidays; this will be another busy weekend in our emergency services but we have plans in place to deal with an increase in demand.”
“Remember that EDs are for life threatening emergencies, patients who attend for routine and non-urgent treatment may be waiting a long time to be seen and there are other services available to you which may be more appropriate.”
“Injury Units, GP Out of Hours services and pharmacies all can provide expert advice and treatment over the long weekend.”
“Please stay safe on the roads if you are travelling and look after your mental health in addition to your physical health.”
