Know your healthcare options this Bank Holiday weekend
Ahead of the May Bank Holiday weekend, HSE services in the Midlands wants to remind the public of their treatment options before attending the Emergency Department (ED) at the hospital. There are a range of care pathways available to patients who do not need emergency care including:
Visit your pharmacy for advice on common minor illnesses. Find out more here
Make an appointment with your GP if you’re feeling unwell and it is not an emergency
If you urgently need to see a GP outside of normal hours, contact your local GP Out of Hours service, details below:
Out of Hours Urgent GP Services
MIDOC is an appointment-only GP service located in the Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath areas. This service is for patients who need urgent medical attention that cannot wait to be seen by their usual GP. Opening Hours: Weekdays, Monday to Thursday 6pm to 8am. Weekends 6pm Friday to 8am Monday. All day on Bank Holidays. Telephone 1800 302 702 or go to GP Out of Hours service: GP out-of-hours service - HSE.ie for more information.
An Injury Unit can treat a wide range of injuries such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains and strains, minor burns and scalds for all patients. All units have access to x-ray and basic diagnostic services. For more information see www.hse.ie/injuryunits. See details of Injury Units in the midlands below.
1. Mullingar Minor Injuries Unit
Charter Medical Private Hospital, Ballinderry, Mullingar, Westmeath, N91 FE40
Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.
Saturday and Sunday 10am to 6pm.
Closed Bank Holiday Mondays.
Service Available To: Age 16 and older
2. Naas Hospital Injury Unit
Vista Primary Care Centre, Ballymore Eustace Road, Naas, Kildare, W91 X38W
Monday to Sunday 10am to 8pm.
Service Available To: Age 16 and older
3. Nenagh Injury Unit
Tyone, Nenagh, Tipperary, E45 PT86
Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, including Bank Holidays
Service Available To: Adults and children aged 5 and older
4. Roscommon Injury Unit
Roscommon University Hospital, Athlone Road, Roscommon, F42 AX61
Monday to Sunday 8am to 8pm, including Bank Holidays
Service Available To: Adults and children aged 5 and older
Emergency Departments treat seriously ill patients. Visit an ED or call 999 or 112 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. Those with less severe injuries and symptoms may have to wait to be seen in Emergency Departments
Catriona McDonald, General Manager, Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore stated: “While we are preparing for a busy Bank Holiday period in the hospital, we ask everyone to consider all options before going to ED. Those who believe they may be seriously ill and require emergency care should of course come to hospital, but we would urge others to consider seeking support from pharmacists, GPs, GP out-of-hours services and injury units. While some patients may regrettably experience long wait times in our emergency departments, urgent patients will always be prioritised for treatment and care.’
Patients who present at the Emergency Department in Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore with non-urgent conditions may experience long wait times to be seen. Any patient who needs emergency hospital care will be seen and we would urge such patients not to delay attending the ED. Do not delay in seeking medical attention if you suspect you are having a heart attack or stroke, please dial 999 or 112 in an emergency.
Plan ahead and make sure you have enough of any medications you might need over the bank holiday, both over the counter and prescription medicines.