HSE issues Bank Holiday Weekend advice for people in Laois

The HSE has issued advice for anyone who requires medical attention over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

The HSE is urging the public to explore all available care options before attending an Emergency Department (ED) this Easter Bank Holiday weekend, as GP practices, Injury Units, GP Out of Hours services and community pharmacies can often provide timely and effective treatment.

“All patients attending an ED will be seen and treated, with the most seriously ill prioritised first. Anyone requiring emergency hospital treatment should not delay and should attend the ED or call 999 or 112 immediately. People with less urgent conditions may experience longer waiting times, depending on demand. Staff continue to work hard to reduce delays, and we apologise to anyone who experiences long waits,” the HSE said in a statement. 

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“It is important that people are aware of the care options available to them and take steps to stay well as we move into the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. We ask everyone to consider all available options before attending an Emergency Department. Teams across the region are working continuously to ensure that patients who require urgent or emergency treatment are seen as quickly as possible. This does mean that individuals with less serious conditions may face longer waits,” a spokesperson for the HSE said. 

“We are working closely with community health partners so that patients who can be safely treated in other settings are directed there, helping to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and maintain patient flow. We encourage everyone to consider the full range of services available, including Injury Units, GP Out of Hours services, GPs and community pharmacies,” the spokesperson added. 

The HSE said  urgent out‑of‑hours GP care is available when GP surgeries are closed. These services are appointment‑only and for patients who need urgent care.  

MIDOC is an appointment only urgent GP service located in the Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath Areas. This service is for patients who need urgent medical attention that cannot wait to be seen by their usual GP.  Telephone 1800 302 702 or go to https://midoctlm.ie/ for more information.

KDOC operates an appointment only service for urgent medical needs. The out of hours centres are in Naas and Celbridge. Call:  045 848 701 to book an appointment or go to www.kdoc.ie for more information.