Public urged to consider other care options for their healthcare this weekend

Funding boost: St John's Hospital in Limerick I PICTURE: Adrian Butler

placeholder image — Funding boost: St John's Hospital in Limerick I PICTURE: Adrian Butler

The HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare is reminding members of the public of alternative care options such as the local pharmacy or injury unit

HSE MID-WEST Community Healthcare is reminding members of the public of alternative care options such as the local pharmacy, injury unit and out-of-hours GPs over the weekend.

“February is a time when many people have coughs and colds. For these and general ailments such as headaches, minor cuts or sprains, advice and over-the-counter medication is available from your local pharmacist,” a spokesperson for the HSE said.

According to the HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare, your local pharmacy and your GP surgery is your first port of call for general ailments. You should call your GP if you require medical attention and they will advise you of their availability and their out-of-hours service arrangements.

Those who have a medical requirement that requires urgent attention outside of normal GP hours you can call your GP for details of their out-of-hours service arrangements such as:

Shannondoc on Lo-call 0818 123500 or on 061 459500(Operating hours: Monday – Friday 6pm - 8am; Weekends and Public holidays Open 24 hour).

Over the weekend's sports-related injuries and minor injuries can occur. For broken bones, dislocations, sprains strains, wounds, scalds and minor burns contact your nearest injury unit: Ennis, 065 686 3121, V95 HN29: 8am to 8pm, Nenagh, 067 42311, E45 PT86: 8am to 8pm, and St John’s, Limerick, 061 462 222, V94 H272: 8am to 7pm.

The Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick remains open 24/7 and it is available to all those who require emergency care.

Chief officer HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare Maria Bridgeman said: “Emergency departments can be very busy, please remember that if you need emergency care please attend the Emergency Department, if your illness is not an emergency please consider all other care options such as pharmacies, GP, your urgent out of hours service and your nearest Injury Unit in the first instance.

“We are working collaboratively with the UL Hospitals Group and Public Health Mid West to ensure the public are receiving the right care in the right place,” she said.