HSE Easter Healthcare Advisory

HSE South West is urging Cork and Kerry residents to familiarise themselves with the full range of healthcare options available over the Easter bank holiday weekend, as Emergency Departments across the region brace for increased demand.

The health service has recorded a significant rise in ED activity in the first three months of 2026, with Cork University Hospital and Mercy University Hospital both seeing a 9% increase in attendances, and University Hospital Kerry recording a 12% rise compared to the same period last year.

For non-emergency needs, HSE South West is directing people to a range of alternatives, including their local pharmacist, GP, or South Doc, the GP Out-of-Hours service, which can be reached on 0818 355 999. Residents are also advised to stock a medicine cabinet for common ailments ahead of the long weekend and to fill routine prescriptions before the holiday period begins.

Three injury units will be operational in Cork across the Easter weekend, each open from 8am to 8pm. The Mercy Injury Unit at St Mary's Health Campus, Gurranabraher, is available to those aged 10 and older. The Mallow Injury Unit and Bantry Injury Unit are both available to those aged five and older. Injury units treat non-life-threatening conditions including broken bones, dislocations, sprains, wounds, scalds and minor burns.

The Irish Life Health Expresscare clinic is also open for minor injuries from 10am to 8pm and accepts patients aged 12 months and over, on the same terms as HSE injury units.

Sonya Cotter, HSE Manager for Cork North and West:

"These numbers demonstrate the sustained increase in demand our teams have been managing. While teams are doing everything possible to manage this increased demand, it is placing immense pressure on Emergency Departments and beyond into the wider healthcare system. HSE South West teams are working hard to provide alternatives to ED attendance and to hospital admissions so that the people of Cork and Kerry have access to appropriate care, in the right place, when they need it. All patients who attend EDs will be seen, but the most urgent patients will be prioritised. This means that patients with non-urgent issues may face longer waiting times and may get the treatment they need faster at an Injury Unit."

Dr Peter Kearney, Regional Clinical Director, HSE South West:

"We want everyone to enjoy themselves with friends and family this Easter weekend. However, if anyone has a genuine emergency, or needs critical care, you must come to an Emergency Department and you will be well looked after. Our Emergency Departments care for those who are seriously ill or injured. For less urgent problems, always remember that there are alternative pathways, for example local pharmacy, GP, Southdoc or an Injury Unit."

Patients admitted to Cork hospitals via Emergency Departments should also be aware that they may be transferred to a HSE South West acute setting best suited to their needs.

Further information on pharmacies and injury units is available at hse.ie.