The HSE has urged people to consider all healthcare options before attending emergency departments over the June bank holiday weekend, saying there will be long wait times for those presenting for non-urgent treatment.
Hospitals have reported record numbers of patients in emergency departments this year, with a sharp increase in those who are treated and then discharged without being admitted to hospital.
The HSE says that many of these patients could have been treated at other healthcare services such as injury units, GP and GP out of hour services and pharmacies.
They said that as always, emergency departments will continue to see and treat patients who require urgent and emergency treatment first.
Patients who attend EDs for routine and non-urgent treatment are being advised that they will experience very long waiting times over the coming weekend and into early next week.
The HSE regrets this delay and is asking all to help our staff through a challenging time for our services by considering all healthcare options before attending ED including; Roscommon Injury Unit, your GP, Westdoc GP out of hours service and pharmacies.
As always 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.
