HSE Appeals To People Consider Care Options Before Presenting To Emergency Departments

Tuesday, 3 January 2023 09:05

By Caoimhe Harney

Pressure is being put on the health system as Covid-19 and influenza cases continue to increase

The HSE has issued an appeal to people seeking medical care or assessment to consider all options before going to a hospital Emergency Department.

It expects it to be one of the busiest ever periods experienced by the health service.

The Health Service Executive says while some patients will experience long wait times in Emergency Departments, urgent patients will always be prioritised.

This appeal comes as all out-patient appointments for University Hospital Limerick have been cancelled toady, only urgent elective surgeries will go ahead at the hospital "over the coming days".

A "major internal incident" was declared at the hospital due to unprecedented levels of attendance yesterday.

In a statement, the Hospital group said the "unprecedented" number of people attending the Emergency Department has been driven by a surge in respiratory infections, including Covid-19, flu and RSV.

The HSE has appealed to people to consider all options before going to hospital this week including visit your local pharmacy if feeling unwell.

GPs are also running additional clinics during the time of high pressure. Its advising if you need to urgently see a GP outside their clinic hours, you can contact your local GP out-of-hours service.

Pressure is being put on the health system as Covid-19 and influenza cases continue to increase rapidly.

More from National News

Kildare Ministers Martin Heydon And James Lawless Declare Rental Income In 2025

Fianna Fáil's Kildare South TD, Seán Ó Fearghaíl, declared ownership of a house in Fennor
IFA Plan Large Protest This Saturday In Newbridge

Over 800 farmers are expected to stage a protest outside Minister of Agriculture Martin Heydon's Constituency Office
Gardaí Say 'Current' Phase Of Searches Linked To Missing Deirdre Jacob And Jo Jo Dullard Have Ended

Gardaí have confirmed that while active searching at the location has paused, a further technical and forensic assessment of the site is continuing
Former US Soldier, Michael Kelley, Charged In Connection With Death Of Kerry Man Michael Gaine

The 56-year-old farmer was reported missing last March - human tissue found on his farm nearly two months later was confirmed to be his
Father Punched In Head And Child Pushed To Ground During Newbridge Assault

During the altercation, the child was pushed to the ground.
Education Officials Insist Damning Celbridge Primary School Findings Require "Peer Review"

Audio

Two independent reports completed last year and seen by Kfm News warned the school’s long-standing modular building shows widespread deterioration, including structural issues and fire safety concerns.
€20k–€30k Bill Raises Doubts Around Introducing A Video Archive Of Kildare Council Meetings

Councillor Claire O’Rourke has called for the council to create a webcast library of meetings on its website, arguing it would strengthen transparency and allow people who cannot watch live - including workers and carers - to follow key decisions.
Gardaí Target Nigerian-Based Crime Gang In Series Of Raids, Including Kildare

The gang has previously been described by Interpol as a key player in cyber-enabled financial fraud and various online scams.