Cork Hospitals Extremely Busy as HSE South West Asks Public to Consider Alternatives

The Emergency Departments at both Cork University Hospital and Mercy University Hospital are experiencing extremely high levels of activity, with long waiting times for some patients. HSE South West is asking the public to consider all care options before travelling to the ED.

Following a high number of presentations to the Emergency Department in recent days, HSE South West is asking people to consider options including GPs, Local Injury Units at St Mary’s and Mallow General Hospital, Pharmacists and SouthDoc out-of-hours services.

Anyone with an urgent or emergency care need should attend an Emergency Department. Those with a less serious condition are being asked to use different services.

Staff at the CUH and MUH EDs prioritise patients in terms of clinical need, and wait times for non-urgent care are lengthy at the moment. All patients arriving at the ED are clinically assessed and seen in order of priority, so those with non-urgent presentations will be waiting a long time and are asked to seek alternative treatments where possible.

HSE South West has also set out the following options for anyone who needs medical treatment. Self-care, including a well-stocked medicine cabinet to help with colds and sore throats. A pharmacy, where your pharmacist can advise on common minor illnesses. A GP surgery, where you can make an appointment if you are feeling unwell.

For minor injuries, broken bones and burns, a Local Injury Unit is available; more information is at www.hse.ie/injuryunits. If your GP clinic is closed, call SouthDoc on 0818 355 999. For emergencies, please visit your nearest ED or call 999/112.