The South/South West Hospital Group is encouraging the public to consider all care options before attending Emergency Departments this June Bank Holiday weekend.
So far this year, hospitals have reported record numbers of patients presenting at Emergency Departments, including a sharp increase in the number of patients
who are seen and treated in the ED and then discharged without requiring admission to hospital.
Hospital management say many of these patients could have been treated at other healthcare services such as Injury Units, GP and GP out of Hour services and pharmacies.
As always, Emergency Departments will continue to see and treat patients who require urgent and emergency treatment first.
However, patients who attend EDs for routine and non-urgent treatment are being advised that they will experience very long waiting times over the coming weekend and into early next week.
The HSE have said they regret this delay and is asking the public to help staff through a challenging time by considering all healthcare options before attending Emergency Departments, including Injury Units, GP services and pharmacies, or dialling 999 or 112 for emergency care if there is concern for serious illness or injury.
