HSE ask public to avoid unnecessary visits to ED this Christmas

Health services across the west are urging the public to only visit the emergency departments this Christmas if it is a serious injury or life threatening emergency.

In the last few days before festive celebrations commence, health services across the West are urging the public to plan ahead; know how to manage common illnesses and know where to go if you become unwell over the holiday season.

People who become ill have been advised to visit their local pharmacy for advice and to contact their family doctor if necessary.

Tony Canavan, CEO of Saolta University Health Care Group asked the public to only visit the emergency department if it is a serious illness.

“This time of year is always extremely busy in our hospitals but we have additional resources and plans in place to deal with an increase in demand. Our EDs are open 24/7 for emergency care, I’d remind the public that EDs are for people with a serious injury or life-threatening emergency.

“People who come to hospital Emergency Department with less urgent or less acute needs will be waiting a long time to be seen, and those people should really consider all other options which the HSE has in place for non-routine healthcare. These options include Out of Hours GP services, and Roscommon Injury Unit which is open from 8am to 8pm every day, including Christmas Day.
“I’m sorry that anyone has to wait a long time in our hospitals and know that this is extremely difficult for patients and their families. We are working hard to move patients through our Emergency Departments as quickly as possible and we remain committed to ensuring that patient care and comfort is a priority, even when some waiting is unavoidable,” he added.

Dr Áine Mc Namara, Director of HSE Public Health West / North West added that they are seeing very high levels of respiratory viruses including flu, Covid-19 and RSV circulating in the community.

“Infection with these viruses can be serious and can also lead to bacterial infections. While spending time with family and friends, it is important that if you are feeling unwell to avoid meeting those who are vulnerable to protect them from illness. Keeping up to date with your vaccines is the most important thing you can do to avoid serious flu and Covid-19 illness.”
John Fitzmaurice, Chief Officer, Community Healthcare West concluded: “We would ask everyone to consider all healthcare options over the festive period. If you urgently need to see a GP out of hours, please contact Westdoc on 0818 360 000 from 6pm on Friday, December 22 to 9am on Wednesday, December 27. Westdoc will operate from 6pm to 9am from Wednesday, December 27 to Friday, December 29 as normal. Westdoc provides urgent out-of-hours GPcare for patients of participating practices in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. 

“The GP out-of-hours service is for patients needing urgent medical care. It is not a substitute for the Emergency Ambulance Service who are the appropriate service to deal with medical emergencies where they arise.”