HSE says 'higher attendances than normal' at emergency departments in Cork
The HSE has said that ED staff prioritise patients in terms of clinical need, meaning that longer wait times should be expected for non-urgent care presentations. File image.
HSE South West has warned that emergency departments (ED) across all Cork hospitals are currently experiencing “far higher attendances than normal”.
It comes as daily figures, published by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), show that 78 people were treated without a bed on Thursday across Bantry General Hospital, Cork University Hospital and Mercy University Hospital.
While the HSE continues to advise those with urgent care needs to attend the ED, people who have non-urgent or less serious conditions are asked to consider all care options, including GPs, pharmacists, SouthDoc out-of-hours services and injury units.
Members of the public are reminded that GPs can assess a wide range of concerns, arrange tests, imaging, and referrals to specialists, while minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, sore throats, earaches, rashes, and stomach upsets can be dealt with at a local pharmacy.
Injury units in Bantry, Mallow and Gurranabraher can also provide quick urgent care to patients with non-life-threatening injuries, with services including X-ray imaging, plaster cast application and stitches.
The HSE has said that ED staff prioritise patients in terms of clinical need, meaning that longer wait times should be expected for non-urgent care presentations.
HSE South West integrated healthcare area manager for Cork North and East, Sonya Cotter said ED teams are working “incredibly hard” to deliver emergency care to patients across the city and county.
“Activity levels are very high at all hospitals in Cork, with EDs experiencing far higher attendances than normal,” said Ms Cotter.
“Our ED teams are working incredibly hard at the moment to make sure that those in most need of emergency care receives it as quickly as possible.
“The public can help them by considering other trusted health services, such as GPs, SouthDoc, pharmacists, and injury units.
“As always, people who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised.”
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