Public urged to stay safe amid 'very high attendances' at hospital EDs

THE public are being reminded to stay safe this bank holiday weekend amid 'very high attendances' at the country's emergency departments (EDs). 

The public are being encouraged to contact out-of-hours GP services or their pharmacist for minor illnesses and but to attend ED in the event of a life-threatening injury or illness. 

Saolta CEO Tony Canavan - which manages Mayo University Hospital as well as other hospitals - said that 'a busy few days' were expected at hospital EDs.

"I want to reassure the public that anyone with an illness or injury which requires emergency care should always come to the ED where they will be prioritised," said Mr Canavan.

"We have operational plans in place for all bank holiday periods to manage additional pressures and health staff across hospital and community settings will continue to work together over the weekend to ensure all available beds across the hospital and community are in use.”

JJ McGowan, General Manager Operations West with the National Ambulance Service, added that the ambulance service is 'extremely busy at present'. 

“We continue to prioritise calls so the most seriously ill or injured receive the quickest response. Please consider all your care options because non life-threatening calls will have longer wait times. In an emergency always call 112/999," Mr McGowan stated.

The HSE has said they are anticipating 'a very busy weekend' for emergency services. 

"Many local pharmacies will be open over the weekend including Bank Holiday Monday to help with minor illnesses. Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals. They can help you get the right medicine if you are feeling unwell, they can also advise on range of health issues," read a HSE statement.

"If you urgently need to see a GP outside their clinic hours, you can contact your local GP out-of-hours service. Additional practice staff will be working this long weekend to deal with an expected increase in demand. To make an appointment with the out of hours GP service please contact Westdoc on: 0818 360 000 from 6pm Friday August 4 to 9am on Tuesday August 8.

"Hospital Emergency Departments around the country are experiencing very high attendances and we expect this to be another busy weekend. EDs are for life threatening emergencies, patients who attend for routine and non-urgent treatment will be waiting a long time to be seen. Please do not visit a healthcare setting if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 (sore throat, cough, temperature or shortness of breath.

"Roscommon injury unit is an alternative to a busy ED, treating breaks, sprains, burns and wounds and open from 8am to 8pm 365 days per year. The unit can see, diagnose and treat a wide range of injuries for both adults and children over five years old. You don’t need an appointment or a GP referral."