With the August bank holiday weekend fast approaching, HSE South West is reminding Cork residents to prioritise safety whilst enjoying the long weekend’s festivities, outdoor activities and gatherings across the county.
The health service is advising people to slow down on the roads, exercise caution during outdoor pursuits, and familiarise themselves with available healthcare options should they need medical attention over the busy weekend period.
Priscilla Lynch, HSE Manager for Cork South and West, said:
“We hope that everyone stays safe this bank holiday weekend, whether that’s travelling, enjoying festivals and gatherings, attending sporting events or making the most of our wonderful outdoor amenities. If you need urgent or emergency healthcare, HSE South West is here for you, but we ask you to consider which healthcare option best meets your needs.”
Emergency Departments typically experience increased pressure during bank holiday weekends, leading to potentially lengthy waits for those with non-urgent conditions as medical staff prioritise the most serious cases.
Ms Lynch added:
“Unfortunately, Emergency Departments are often busier at bank holidays than at other times of the year. That means that patients with non-urgent issues may face long waits, as we prioritise those most in need of care.”
For minor injuries, the HSE highlights that injury units provide consultant-led care including X-rays, fracture treatment, burn care and stitching, often with significantly shorter waiting times than Emergency Departments.
Injury Units Operating This Weekend:
- Mercy Urgent Care, Gurranabraher: 8am–6pm (ages 10+)
- Mallow Urgent Care: 8am–8pm (ages 5+)
- Bantry Urgent Care: 8am–8pm (ages 5+)
- Irish Life Health expresscare Clinic: 10am–8pm (ages 12 months+)
The HSE recommends considering the full range of healthcare options available, from self-care with a well-stocked medicine cabinet for minor ailments, to pharmacy advice, GP appointments, and the SouthDoc out-of-hours service (0818 355 999) when GP surgeries are closed. Emergency Departments and 999/112 should be reserved for genuine emergencies.
Priscilla Lynch concluded:
“We ask the public to help us by considering which part of the health service can best support them when they need it. 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.”
The National Ambulance Service has issued an additional appeal regarding access to popular outdoor venues across Cork. With beaches, sports grounds and recreational areas expected to be particularly busy, emergency services are asking visitors to park considerately.
Rob Moriarty, of NAS South West, said:
“Summer is always busy across Cork and Kerry, with many people making the most of the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful outdoor amenities on our doorstep. We ask the public to remember that in the event of an emergency, ambulances may need to access beaches and other amenity sites. Please make sure that you don’t block that access.”
Whether heading to Inchydoney, Garretstown or any of Cork’s stunning coastline spots this weekend, ensuring emergency vehicles can access these locations could prove vital in an emergency situation.
For more information on injury units and their services, visit www.hse.ie/injuryunits.