HSE Asks Public to Use Appropriate Services as Healthcare Demand Set to Peak This Week

The HSE is urging people across Ireland to choose the right healthcare service for their needs as the health system prepares for its traditionally busiest week of the year.

With schools and workplaces reopening after the Christmas break, the Health Service Executive expects a surge in demand across all services during the coming days. The organisation is asking the public to consider the full range of healthcare options available before attending Emergency Departments.

HSE Chief Executive Bernard Gloster acknowledged the system's recent performance during the earlier-than-usual flu season, but warned that challenges lie ahead.

Bernard Gloster, HSE Chief Executive:

"We have had an exceptionally positive improvement in patient flow over both the Christmas and the high flu season which came earlier this year than in previous years. All of our staff and services have responded and we are seeing the benefits of investment and reform when compared to other years.

We do know however from experience, that the first full week of the New Year is always one of exceptionally high demand regardless of the levels of flu. People will have all of the normal healthcare needs and there will also be cases where people have deferred care over Christmas holidays. That, added to the high levels of movement as people return to work and school all contributes to a surge in demand for healthcare at the same time."

The HSE outlined several service options available to the public, depending on their needs. These include self-care advice for flu-like symptoms at www.hse.ie, pharmacy support, GP appointments, GP Out of Hours services, Injury Units, and Emergency Departments for urgent situations.

Extra GP hours have been made available both in surgeries and Out of Hours services, whilst all Primary Care Centres remain fully operational. Community-based nursing and allied health professionals also provide additional sources of advice and support.

Despite the expanded services, patients should expect some waiting times, particularly in Emergency Departments and GP services during this peak period.

Bernard Gloster emphasised that patient safety remains the priority:

"Patients will be assessed and triaged and treated in accordance with their needs and condition. The public should never avoid seeking care and anyone in difficulty and unsure what to do should of course go to an Emergency Department. If however a patient's needs are suitable to other care options they should use those options where they will be seen more quickly."

He also referenced the current challenging weather conditions in parts of the country and made a direct appeal for public cooperation: "We are asking the public to work with us and please respect our staff, they are there to care for you but are also responding to many needs. While we have and continue to make great progress in all of our services I do expect this week to be challenging and working together with the public we can manage this for all."

The HSE's message comes as healthcare services nationwide brace for what is historically their busiest week, with the combination of deferred care, returning workers and students, and ongoing winter illnesses creating significant pressure on all services.