HSE Urges Cork to Think Three Times Before Visiting Emergency Departments This Winter

The HSE South West is launching a winter wellness campaign encouraging Cork residents to consider pharmacies, GPs, and injury units before attending busy emergency departments for non-critical issues.

The health service is asking people to "think three times" when seeking medical care this winter, as emergency departments face increased pressure during the colder months.

Sonya Cotter, HSE manager for Cork North and East, said choosing the right care ensures families get support as quickly as possible:

"Your pharmacist and GP know your medical history and are better placed to better manage your care; they can also help direct you to the ED if it's necessary. By thinking twice and contacting your pharmacy or GP services first, you get quicker access to the care you need, while helping keep Emergency Departments available for those who urgently need life-saving treatment, such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulties, stroke symptoms, serious accidents or sudden collapse."

The three-tier approach advises people to think once about their local pharmacy for minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, sore throats, earaches, rashes and stomach upsets. Pharmacists can manage many conditions fully without unnecessary waits.

The second step is to think twice about contacting a GP or the out-of-hours service SouthDoc on 0818 355 999. GP surgeries will attempt to accommodate urgent problems that might otherwise require an emergency department visit, arranging tests, imaging, and specialist referrals when needed.

The third option is injury units in Gurranabraher, Mallow and Bantry, which can treat non-life-threatening injuries like broken bones, dislocations, sprains and strains. More information is available at hse.ie/injuryunits.

Ms Cotter added:

"Choosing the right care helps you get the best treatment quickly and keeps emergency services free for those who need them most. Stay well this winter and don't forget your flu and COVID vaccinations if you're eligible."

Priscilla Lynch, HSE manager for Cork South and West, highlighted the benefits of SouthDoc, which provides faster access to care than emergency departments for many non-emergency situations:

"SouthDoc offers faster, more accessible, and more coordinated care than the emergency department for many non-emergency situations. By providing direct access to doctors and nurses, supporting continuity with your GP, and ensuring patient safety and confidentiality, SouthDoc helps keep the Emergency Department available for true emergencies while caring for the community at every step."

SouthDoc offers direct booking through experienced nurse triage, immediate medication support including antibiotics to cover patients until pharmacies open, and shares case notes with patients' regular GPs for coordinated care. The service also provides home visits for elderly or bed-bound patients unable to travel to treatment centres.

The service also includes a dedicated deaf text service and expert nurse advice on common illnesses, isolation, home care, and community services.