THE HSE has issued a stark warning to the public ahead of the bank holiday weekend. Due to the long weekend this week, the health service is warning the public that many facilities will be closed until Tuesday. Because of this, and to avoid a build up of people at A&E, the HSE have shared resources to help people who may be struggling to find out where they can go for emergency medical care.
GP clinics , pharmacies and injury units are all set to close over the next few day - with the HSE warning that hospital's emergency departments should only be used when necessary. Urging the public to consider all care options, the HSE has outlined exactly where you should go depending on the health issue you might encounter. When it comes to colds or sore throats, their advice is to use an at home first aid kit and ensure you have a well stocked medicine cabinet .
For headaches, stomach aches or coughs, head to a pharmacy that is open and ask for advice on minor illnesses. Typically, chain pharmacies remain open over weekends and bank holidays. The HSE advises that you book an appointment with any available GP if you're feeling unwell and it is not an emergency - this includes back pain and ear aches.
If an accident has occurred such as a broken bone, sprain or burn, head to an injury unit - there a many scattered around the country and some associated with health insurance providers. Only call the out of hours GP if you need to be seen urgently and your GP isn't open - the same is said.
