As the Easter Bank Holiday approaches, the HSE is urging the public to consider all available care options before attending emergency departments (EDs), in an effort to ease pressure on Ireland’s hospital system.

With hospitals expected to experience a surge in patient numbers over the weekend, people are encouraged to explore alternative services including GPs, pharmacies, injury units, and GP Out of Hours services – many of which may be more appropriate for non-urgent medical issues.

All patients who present to EDs will be seen and treated, but the HSE highlights that the sickest and most urgent cases will be prioritised. Those requiring emergency hospital care are advised not to delay and to attend the ED or call 999 or 112 immediately.

However, patients with less urgent injuries may experience longer waiting times, depending on demand and the seriousness of conditions being treated at the time. HSE staff continue to work hard to manage the flow of patients and ensure timely care wherever possible.

Dr Michael O’Connor, National Clinical Advisor and Group Lead, Access and Integration, HSE, said:

“We are encouraging people to consider all care options this weekend. We have injury units around the country, open seven days a week. No appointment is needed. The injury units see minor injuries, such as some broken bones, wounds, bites, cuts, small abscesses, splinters.

For those who are seriously ill, for example with head injuries, chest pains, shortness of breath, seizures, please do not delay in attending the emergency department. We have systems in place across our busy emergency departments, which involves triage, identifying those who are most critically ill. It involves a whole system response in that we have extra senior decision makers across the system seven days a week to ensure there’s a flow of people through our hospitals.”

Grace Rothwell, National Director, Access and Integration, HSE, said:

“We have plans in place right across our hospital and community services to support high attendances at emergency departments over the Easter holiday weekend. However, it is important that people continue to consider all care options available to them including injury units, GP Out of Hours and community pharmacy.

Our hospitals are extremely busy, with emergency departments seeing significantly increased numbers of patients. Hospital and community teams work closely to help patients move as quickly as possible through the hospital system. This includes supporting patients avoid ED attendance. Hospital admission, improving the experience of patients while in ED, ensuring efficiency of movement within hospitals and safe and timely discharge to community services and other care supports. Additionally, national, regional and local management continue to work together, including throughout the public holiday weekend to support the system.

Importantly we hope everyone has a healthy and safe Easter weekend, but please be assured HSE hospitals and staff are here to help you in an emergency if needed. All patients presenting to an ED will be seen and treated, with the sickest patients being prioritised.”

Additional Care Options:

• Injury Units: For non-life-threatening issues like broken bones, dislocations, sprains, wounds, scalds, and minor burns. More info: hse.ie/injuryunits

• GP Out of Hours Services: Contact details and locations are available at: Find a GP Out of Hours