Know your healthcare options this Halloween weekend
HSE South West highlights available healthcare services to ensure safe care during the busy Halloween bank holiday and school mid-term. Residents in Kerry are encouraged to consider alternatives to Emergency Departments to avoid long waits and receive timely treatment.
Source:
HSE — Health Service Executive
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⏱️ 2 min read
As the Halloween bank holiday and school mid-term approach, HSE South West is advising the public to familiarise themselves with the range of healthcare services available to ensure timely and appropriate care. University Hospital Kerry’s Emergency Department is currently experiencing high demand, with priority given to patients requiring urgent treatment.
Julie O’Neill, Manager for HSE Kerry, emphasised the importance of considering alternative care options for non-urgent issues. She highlighted the HSE Kerry Pathfinder service, which supports those aged 65 and over by providing advanced paramedics, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists to deliver care at home from 8am to 8pm on Sunday and Monday. This service aims to reduce unnecessary Emergency Department visits.
Several other care pathways are recommended for the bank holiday weekend: self-care with well-stocked medicine cabinets for minor ailments; seeking advice from local pharmacists; booking GP appointments for ongoing health concerns; using the Local Injury Unit in Mallow for injuries such as fractures, burns, and stitches (open 8am to 8pm for those aged five and above); contacting SouthDoc at 0818 355 999 for out-of-hours GP services; and attending the Emergency Department or dialling 999/112 for genuine emergencies. The HSE encourages the public to select the option that best suits their needs to ensure efficient healthcare delivery.
Julie O’Neill, Manager for HSE Kerry, emphasised the importance of considering alternative care options for non-urgent issues. She highlighted the HSE Kerry Pathfinder service, which supports those aged 65 and over by providing advanced paramedics, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists to deliver care at home from 8am to 8pm on Sunday and Monday. This service aims to reduce unnecessary Emergency Department visits.
Several other care pathways are recommended for the bank holiday weekend: self-care with well-stocked medicine cabinets for minor ailments; seeking advice from local pharmacists; booking GP appointments for ongoing health concerns; using the Local Injury Unit in Mallow for injuries such as fractures, burns, and stitches (open 8am to 8pm for those aged five and above); contacting SouthDoc at 0818 355 999 for out-of-hours GP services; and attending the Emergency Department or dialling 999/112 for genuine emergencies. The HSE encourages the public to select the option that best suits their needs to ensure efficient healthcare delivery.
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