HSE Easter Bank Holiday A&E plea to Laois

The HSE appeals to people in Laois and the Midlands not to attend hospital Emergency Departments over easter unless it is an Emergency.

The appeal says the Easter bank holiday weekend is always a busier time for our hospitals, community health services and emergency services so the the HSE is encouraging the public to consider all care options available for urgent and non-urgent care.

Here is 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

The appeal says you can help staff at this busy time by considering other options for non-emergency care such as Injury Units, Out-of-Hours GP and pharmacies before attending an Emergency Department. This is in order to protect our EDs for patients who need urgent and emergency care.

If you need to access healthcare services over the bank holiday weekend the HSE advises the following:

• 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

Out of Hours Urgent GP Services

The HSE says 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.

Injury Units

Injury units can treat broken bones, dislocations, sprains, strains, wounds, scalds, and minor burns. For full list of details go to: www.hse.ie/injuryunits

Regional Hospital Mullingar Minor Injuries Unit

Charter Medical Private Hospital, Ballinderry, Mullingar, Westmeath, N91 FE40

Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.

Saturday and Sunday 10am to 6pm.

Closed Bank Holiday Mondays.

Nenagh Injury Unit

Tyone, Nenagh, Tipperary, E45 PT86

Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, including Bank Holidays