HSE Urges Public to Consider Injury Units as Cork University Hospital Faces Unprecedented Demand

HSE South West has advised the public to be aware of injury units and alternative healthcare services as Cork University Hospital and other regional hospitals experience significant pressure due to seasonal illness and recent adverse weather.

Cork University Hospital and hospitals across the region have seen unprecedented levels of demand in recent days. The HSE South West is reminding patients that many treatments available at Emergency Departments can be provided in alternative settings, such as injury units located throughout Cork.

Injury units typically offer shorter waiting times and provide consultant-led assessment and treatment, including X-rays, fracture treatment, burns treatment, and wound care.

Priscilla Lynch, HSE manager for Cork South and West, said:

"Many urgent injuries can be treated at our Injury Units, which often provide the fastest access to specialised care. Our Emergency Department at CUH remains very busy due to high demand and seasonal illnesses and weather related injury, so patients with less urgent problems may experience longer waits as we prioritise those most seriously ill. We're asking people to choose the most appropriate service for their needs, using Injury Units and community services where suitable, to support our hospital teams and keep emergency care available for those who need it most."

Sonya Cotter, HSE manager for Cork North and East, added:

"In an emergency, it's really important that you do not delay and that you either come to the ED, or dial 999/112. For other care, there are a range of options open to you. Injury units often offer shorter wait times, and offer consultant-led care including X-rays, care for fractures, treatment for burns and stitching. Injury units at Gurranabraher (the Mercy Injury Unit), Mallow and Bantry are all available. In addition, the Irish Life Health expresscare clinic is available to treat minor injuries on the same terms as the HSE injury units. It is open from 10am to 8pm for those aged 12 months and over."

The HSE has outlined a range of services available to the public:

Self-care with a well-stocked medicine cabinet can help with colds and sore throats. Pharmacists can provide advice on common minor illnesses. GP surgeries are available for appointments if feeling unwell. The Local Injury Unit at Mallow can treat minor injuries, broken bones and burns. Out-of-hours GP services are available through SouthDoc on 0818 355 999 if GP clinics are closed. Emergency Departments and 999/112 should be used for emergencies.

Further information on injury units is available at www.hse.ie/injuryunits.