TUH encourages public to know your healthcare options

TALLAGHT University Hospital is encouraging the public to know your Healthcare options this Bank Holiday Weekend

The HSE is highlighting access for community and hospital services and encouraging the public to look at all options available as hospital and community health services expect to be busy.

Ahead of the August Bank Holiday Weekend, Tallaght University Hospital and Dublin South, Kildare & West Wicklow Community Healthcare 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
• An Injury Unit can treat a wide range of injuries such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains and strains, minor burns and scalds. All units have access to x-ray and basic diagnostic services. For more information see here.
• 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 for long periods to be seen in Emergency Departments

Lucy Nugent CEO of Tallaght University Hospital advised: “Similar to many Emergency Departments across the country, our ED is busy with high numbers of patients attending, many presenting with complex needs requiring admission.

“You can help our staff at this busy time by considering other options for non-emergency care such as Injury Units, Out of Hours GP and pharmacies before attending the ED. This is in order to protect our ED for patients who need urgent and emergency care.

“Patients who present at the ED in Tallaght University Hospital with non-urgent conditions may unfortunately 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.”

Information on how to manage common illness and advice on when to get emergency help is also available HERE and here in relation to children.

The Be Summer Ready website  also offers practical, simple guidance on keeping safe over the Summer.