HSE advise Mayo public to “know your options and stay safe” this Bank Holiday weekend

HSE West and North West is advising people in Mayo to be aware of their healthcare options this October Bank Holiday weekend.

In a statement this evening they made the following recommendations:

• Please stay safe on the roads, slow down and take care

• Emergency departments will be busy with long wait times

• Go to a HSE injury unit for breaks, sprains and minor wounds

• Out of hour GP services are open all weekend but you must make an appointmen

• Your local pharmacy has expert advice on a wide range of conditions

• Ensure you are up to date with flu and Covid-19 vaccines

If you do get sick this bank holiday weekend there are a number of healthcare options available; plan ahead, know your options and stay safe.

Mary Warde, HSE healthcare manager for Mayo said; “Unfortunately our emergency departments tend to be busier at holiday weekends than at other times of the year but we have plans in place to manage high attendances. We have senior clinical decision makers rostered throughout the weekend and we are doing everything we can to improve the flow of patients through the ED to minimise delays for patients.

“Many common illnesses can be treated at home but if you need an urgent GP appointment over the weekend, the out of hours GP service in this region is called Westdoc. The service is open all weekend but you do need to make an appointment in advance.

“Your local pharmacy can also offer expert advice on a wide range of common illnesses and complaints. At this time of year we expect to see an increase in flu and COVID-19, please ensure you are up to date with your vaccines to reduce your risk of serious respiratory illness this winter.

“Roscommon injury unit is open from 8am to 8pm every day of the year for breaks, sprains and burns. They can help with many of the injuries people go to the emergency department for including x-rays. You do not need an appointment to attend an injury unit.

“In an emergency, it’s really important that you do not delay and that you either come to the ED, or dial 999/112. Please stay safe and look after your mental health as well as your physical health this long weekend.”

READ MORE: Mayo hotel applies for permission to expand by 72 bedrooms