HSE advises avoiding Cork emergency departments if possible this weekend

HSE South West has reminded everyone in Cork to consider all urgent care options over the St Patrick's Bank Holiday weekend, following high levels of overcrowding in CUH and the Mercy after the February bank holiday.

Health services including pharmacies, out-of-hours GP services, injury units and emergency departments will be available for those who need them this weekend.

However, a HSE spokesperson explained: “Emergency Departments are often busier around bank holiday weekends.

“All patients will be seen and treated, with the most urgent patients being prioritised. This means that patients with non-urgent injuries may face longer waiting times and these patients may get the treatment they need faster at an injury unit.” 

Injury units treat injuries that are not life-threatening, such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains, wounds, scalds and minor burns.

This weekend, an injury unit will be available in The Mercy Injury Unit Gurranabraher at St Mary’s Health Campus Gurranabraher, open 8am to 6pm and available to those aged 10 and older.

In Cork county, there is the Mallow Injury Unit, open 8am to 8pm, and available to those aged five and older and Bantry Injury Unit, open 8am to 8pm, also available to those aged five and older.

In addition, the Irish Life Health expresscare clinic is available to treat minor injuries on the same terms as the HSE injury units, from 10am to 8pm for those aged 12 months and over.

Patients who are admitted to Cork hospitals via Emergency Departments should also be aware that they might be transferred to a HSE South West acute setting which best meets their needs – eg a move from CUH/MUH to Mallow General Hospital.

Claire Crowley, General Manager at Mallow General Hospital explained: “Mallow General Hospital is a Model 2 acute healthcare facility, ideally suited for those needing in-patient care that is not life-threatening.

“The teams at other Cork hospitals may decide to transfer you to us, in order to keep beds available for those who require high dependency care.

“Hopefully, you won't need emergency care this weekend but patients presenting to Cork emergency departments should be aware that they may be transferred here, where we will take excellent care of you during your stay.” 

Dr John Sheehan, HSE GP Lead Network 8 (Central Cork/Mayfield/Montenotte/Tivoli/The Glen/Blackpool/St Patricks Carrignavar) asked people to consider their options: “Bank holiday weekends put additional pressure on our emergency departments in Cork.

“The sickest people will be seen first, so please stop and ask yourself: Do I really need to attend the ED? Our emergency department cares for those who are seriously ill or injured, so please consider alternative care pathways where possible.

“Your local pharmacy, GP, Southdoc or injury unit are convenient options if you have a minor ailment or injury.” 

Dr Andy Phillips, Regional Executive Officer of HSE South West said that they are expecting a busy weekend: “Our highly committed HSE staff will be working hard over the bank holiday. If you do need urgent care, there are a range of local options available to you and your family.

“Our emergency departments will be very busy looking after the most seriously ill people in our communities. Please help us to provide everyone with excellent care by taking a moment to consider all your options for care that can be provided quickly, close to your home, before attending the ED.”