HSE urges people in Leitrim to know their care options ahead of August Bank Holiday Weekend

HSE West and North West is advising people in Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal, West Cavan to be aware of their options of care this August Bank Holiday weekend.

Bank holiday weekends and extended good weather can put extra pressure on the health system and people are advised to familiarise themselves on care options available to them.

Emergency departments will see higher than normal attendances due to the bank holiday weekend and the HSE would ask for the public’s patience during long wait times.

To help ensure that emergency care is prioritised for those who need it most, people are encouraged to think ahead and consider alternatives such as GPs, out-of-hours services, pharmacies and Injury Units where appropriate.

As many people will be spending more time outdoors, the HSE also reminds everyone to take care in the sun by drinking plenty of water, wearing sunscreen, and limiting time in direct sunlight during peak hours.

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By making informed choices about where to seek care and taking simple precautions to stay safe, the public can help ease pressure on health services over the weekend.

“Bank Holiday weekends usually result in increased attendances at our hospitals. To help alleviate this, we would ask that all care options available considered before attending your local ED,” said John Fitzmaurice, HSE Integrated Healthcare Area Manager, Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal, West Cavan.

“Care options include GP out-of-hours services, local pharmacies and injury units. However, if you do have a genuine emergency please go to your local hospital where you will be seen.”

Care options available this August Bank Holiday weekend include:

GP Out-of-Hours Service (Caredoc and Nowdoc):

If you urgently need to see a GP over the bank holiday weekend, you should contact your local out-of-hours GP service, Caredoc and Nowdoc. The service operates across the weekend, appointments must be made in advance. GP Out of Hours information is available on the HSE website here.

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Your local pharmacy:

Community pharmacists provide expert advice and over-the-counter treatments for a wide range of minor illnesses. In addition to this expert advice, a new service is available which allows pharmacists to supply prescription-only medication without the need to see a GP.

The following common conditions can be treated under the Common Conditions Service; allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, cystitis (uncomplicated urinary tract infection), vaginal thrush. Information about the scheme is available on the HSE website here.

Injury Units – Roscommon Injury Unit:

Roscommon Injury Unit is open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, including bank holidays. It treats non-life-threatening injuries such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains, wounds, scalds and minor burns. The unit provides services such as X-rays, plaster casts, and wound care. No appointment is required; patients can attend directly. You can find your local injury unit here.

Mental health supports:

Information about when to get help, organisations that provide mental health services and types of specialist services are available here.

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As always if you or someone else is seriously ill or needs urgent emergency care, do not delay going to the ED or dialling 999/112 for help.