HSE makes St Patrick's Day plea to public in Laois
The HSE has urged people to seek out alternatives to hospitals for non-urgent medical care over the St Patrick's Day holiday weekend.
In what is expected to be a busy very few days for the health service, the HSE says people in Laois and other parts of the Midlands should use services that are available to them to support their urgent and non-urgent care needs.
"For those who are not in need of urgent attention, Injury Units, GP and GP out of hours services and pharmacies may provide more appropriate healthcare in a more comfortable setting," it said.
It outlines a list of care and treatment options:
· Visit your pharmacy for advice on common minor illnesses, such as headaches, tummy aches or coughs/colds. Find out more here www.hse.ie/eng/ services/list/2/pharmacy/
· Make an appointment with your GP if you’re feeling unwell and it is not an emergency
· If you urgently need to see a GP outside of normal hours, contact your local GP Out of Hours service, details below
· A local Injury Unit can treat a wide range of injuries such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains and strains, minor burns and scalds. All units have access to x-ray and basic diagnostic services. For more information see www.hse.ie/injuryunits. See details of local Injury Units below
· 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 in Emergency Departments
If you need to access healthcare services over the bank holiday weekend:
· Consider all healthcare options before attending ED including Injury Units, GP services and pharmacies
· Dial 999 or 112 for emergency care if there is concern for serious illness or injury
· Continue to wear face masks and maintain good hand hygiene practices when attending hospitals
· Abide by all infection control measures including visiting restrictions in hospitals and hospitals wards
MIDOC is an appointment only 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. Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 6pm-8am and Saturday/Sunday/Bank Hols: 24 Hours. Telephone: 1800 302 702 or go to www.midoc.ie for more information.
It said hospital injury units can treat broken bones, dislocations, sprains, strains, wounds, scalds, and minor burns. For a full list of details go to: www.hse.ie/injuryunits