MEMBERS of the public are advised to explore all other healthcare options available before attending the emergency department at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) this bank holiday weekend.
The UL Hospitals Group (ULHG) and Mid West Community Healthcare (MWCH) are preparing for a busy June Bank Holiday weekend and are putting plans in place to increase patient flow through the hospital.
According to a statement released by UL Hospitals Group, the emergency department at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) will be open for emergency care, and treatment will be available for “less acute conditions” in the Injury Units and Medical Assessment Units at Ennis, Nenagh, and St John’s hospitals.
ULHG and MWCH have rostered additional staff to ensure patient flow and access is maximised across the long weekend, a spokesman for the hospital group said.
“Over the coming days, standard acute hospital care pathways at the emergency department and injury units will be supported by an expansion of Community Intervention Team services to run 8am-8pm over the weekend, to ensure timely access through GP out-of-hours referral and improve hospital avoidance, and maximise discharges and transfers.
“An additional complement of triage staff will support UL Hospitals Group efforts to reduce time between presentation and discharge or the decision to admit,” the spokesman said.
Prof Colette Cowan, UL Hospitals Group CEO, added: “In preparing for another busy Bank Holiday Weekend, we are collaborating closely with our colleagues in Community Healthcare in order to ensure timely access to treatment as well as assisting patient flow and hospital avoidance measures.”
“We’re asking the public to play an important part in this effort by looking after themselves and having an enjoyable and safe weekend. However, accidents can happen and unforeseen circumstances arise, and if you require care, you should first contact your GP out-of-hours services or local chemists.
“If you feel your problem is life-threatening, you should call 999 or attend the emergency department at UHL, where you will be prioritised for treatment.”
“For less acute cases, our Injury Units are an excellent option. Additional MAU referral slots in all three of our Medical Assessment Units are available for GPs, following our recent expansion of the MAU service in the Mid West to seven days, including bank holidays,” she concluded.
