In the last few days before festive celebrations commence, health services across the North 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.
Tony Canavan, CEO of Saolta University Health Care Group said; “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.
Mr Canavan added: “I’m sorry that anyone has to wait a long wait 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.”
People are urged to take time to find out where they should go if they do fall ill during the holidays. Knowing the best treatment option will mean that you will get treated more quickly and will ease pressures on the healthcare system.
Care Options:
- Visit your local pharmacy for advice and treating the common cold
- Contact your family doctor as necessary
- The GP out-of-hours service is a high quality clinical service for urgent care.
- Caredoc GP Out of Hours Service: Sligo, North Leitrim and West Cavan area – contact number 0818 365 399
Caredoc Christmas and New Year opening hours;
– Friday 22nd December 6pm until Wednesday 27th December at 9am.
– Friday 29th December 6pm until Tuesday 2nd January at 9am. - NoWDOC GP Out of Hours Service- Co. Donegal and South Leitrim – Contact Number 0818 400 911
NoWDOC Christmas and New Year opening Hours;
– Friday, 22nd December 6pm until Wednesday, 27th December at 8am
– Friday, 29th December 6pm until Tuesday 2nd January 2024 at 8am - Emergency Departments treat seriously ill patients. Those with less severe injuries and symptoms may have to wait to be seen in emergency departments.
- Injury units treat injuries that are unlikely to need hospital admission. For example, broken bones, dislocated limbs, sprains and minor burns. Find out more about injury units here.
Dermot Monaghan, Chief Officer, Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo concluded, “We would ask that all paths of care be examined including pharmacy and out of hours GP care. Our NoWDOC and Caredoc GP out of hours services will be in operation throughout the Christmas and New Year period. Please ring the listed numbers during the above hours to arrange an appointment.”
Dr Aine Mc Namara, Director of HSE Public Health West / North West added, “We 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.”
HSE advice and information on Flu, COVID and other respiratory viruses is available here.
