HSE Urges Public to Consider Healthcare Options Before Attending Emergency Departments This Bank Holiday

With the October bank holiday tomorrow (Monday, 27 October), the Health Service Executive is asking the public to think carefully about their healthcare choices before heading to emergency departments for non-urgent issues.

The HSE has highlighted that a range of services, including GPs, pharmacists, injury units and GP Out of Hours services, may offer more appropriate and timely care for urgent but not life-threatening health concerns.

All patients presenting to emergency departments will be seen and treated, with the most seriously unwell patients prioritised first. Anyone requiring emergency hospital treatment should not delay and should attend their nearest emergency department or dial 999 or 112.

However, patients with non-urgent conditions may face longer waiting times during the busy bank holiday period, depending on demand and the severity of other cases. HSE staff have emphasised their commitment to providing care as swiftly as possible and apologise for any delays during peak periods.

Dr Rosa McNamara, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at St Vincent's Hospital and Clinical Lead for the HSE National Emergency Medicine Programme, said:

"If emergency care is needed, patients should not hesitate to attend their nearest Emergency Department or call 999 or 112. EDs are designed to treat life-threatening conditions and while all patients will be seen and cared for, we prioritise the most seriously ill and injured patients. This means that those with less serious issues wait longer while the urgent patients are assessed and treated. Other care options for non-emergencies include injury units, GP Out of Hours services, GPs, and community pharmacies. Resources like the HSE symptom checker can also guide you to the right service for your need."

The public can find their nearest emergency department, injury unit and GP out-of-hours services at https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-urgent-emergency-care/.

Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines

The HSE is urging all eligible people to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones and reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalisation.

Free flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available at participating GP clinics, pharmacies and community health centres. The children's nasal spray flu vaccine is also available for all children aged 2 to 17 years from participating GPs and pharmacies. The nasal spray is safe, effective and painless.

The flu vaccine is strongly recommended and free for everyone aged 60 years and older, people with underlying medical conditions, healthcare workers, all children aged 2 to 17 years, pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy, carers and household contacts of people at higher risk, residents of nursing homes and other long-stay facilities, and people with regular close contact with poultry, waterfowl or pigs.

The COVID-19 vaccine is strongly recommended and free for people aged 60 years and older, people living in a long-term care facility who are aged 18 or older, and people who have a weak immune system or a health condition that puts them at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19.

Infection Prevention and Control

One of the best methods for preventing the spread of infection is to wash your hands. The HSE is encouraging everyone to ensure their hands are clean to prevent the spread of preventable infections.

For further information on vaccination or care options available, visit HSE.ie.