Know Your Options: HSE South West's Guide to Urgent Care This Bank Holiday Weekend

With the May bank holiday weekend almost here, HSE South West is urging Cork residents to think carefully about where to seek medical care before heading straight to an Emergency Department.

People are being reminded that Emergency Departments are reserved for critical, life-threatening conditions, and that a range of alternative services will be available across Cork city and county throughout the weekend.

Dr Anne Sheahan, Regional Director Public Health, HSE South West, said:

"With so many festivals, music gigs, sporting events, and Holy Communions on around Cork city and county this weekend, many people will be out and about. Hopefully, the weather will be fine, so friends and family get to enjoy time together outside – just remember the sunscreen.

However, if you or a loved one is seriously ill or injured this weekend, please call 999/112 or make your way to an Emergency Department. However, if your injury or illness isn't critical or urgent - there are a range of local options available to you and your family," she said.

For non-emergency care, options include self-care from a well-stocked medicine cabinet, your local pharmacist (hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/pharmacy/), your GP for routine prescriptions filled ahead of the weekend, South Doc on 0818 355 999, and Injury Units (full list at hse.ie/injuryunits).

Emergency Departments are typically busier over bank holiday weekends and prioritise the most seriously ill patients, meaning those with non-urgent injuries may face longer waits. Injury Units can often see and treat minor cases more quickly.

Carole Croke, Hospital Manager at Bantry General Hospital, said:

"In a genuine emergency, do not delay and either go to your nearest Emergency Department, or dial 999/112. But if you or your child has a minor injury like a sprain, a cut, or a burn, you might be seen faster at an Injury Unit. We're open all weekend here at Bantry and ready to help."

Injury Units treat non-life-threatening injuries including broken bones, dislocations, sprains, wounds, scalds, and minor burns. The following units will be open across Cork this weekend:

The Mercy Injury Unit Gurranabraher at St Mary's Health Campus Gurranabraher is open from 8am to 8pm for those aged 10 and over. Mallow Injury Unit is open 8am to 8pm for those aged five and older. Bantry Injury Unit is also open 8am to 8pm, available to those aged five and over. The Irish Life Health Expresscare clinic is open from 10am to 8pm for those aged 12 months and over, treating minor injuries on the same terms as HSE injury units.

Sun Safety

With summer approaching, HSE South West is also highlighting new research showing a sharp increase in sunburn and low engagement with sun protection among teenagers and younger age groups. UV rays in Ireland are strong enough to damage skin from April to September, even on overcast days.

Shirley O'Shea, Senior Health Promotion and Improvement Officer for Cancer Prevention at HSE South West, said:

"Your body and mind benefit from spending time outdoors, especially during the summer months. However, it is crucial that children, teenagers, and adults are protected and safe in the sun. Give young people the right habits now and it will stand to them for a lifetime.

Make the SunSmart 5 S's part of your daily routine, especially from now until September, when the UV radiation from the sun is at its most intense - even when it is cloudy. This is especially important for those working outside also, including those in construction, agriculture, transport, fisheries, maintenance, local authorities, and water safety."

The SunSmart 5 S's are: Slip on clothing that covers your skin; Slop on sunscreen (SPF 30+ for adults, SPF 50+ for children); Slap on a wide-brimmed hat; Seek shade between 11am and 3pm; and Slide on sunglasses.