By Emma Ryan
ADDITIONAL health care resources are being put in place over the August Bank Holiday weekend to deal with an expected increase in demand at Letterkenny University Hospital.
Health services across the county are anticipating a busy weekend due to an increase in people travelling around the country and enjoying outdoor activities.
Healthcare professionals are also concerned about an increase in Covid-19 in communities and high attendances at the emergency department.
Tony Canavan, CEO of Saolta said staff are expecting a busy few days at Letterkenny University Hospital.
“I want to reassure the public that anyone with an illness or injury which requires emergency care should always come to the ED where they will be prioritised.
“We have operational plans in place for all bank holiday periods to manage additional pressures and health staff across hospital and community settings will continue to work together over the weekend to ensure all available beds across the hospital and community are in use,” said Mr Canavan.
If someone urgently needs to see a GP outside of clinic hours, contact a local GP out-of-hours service.
Out-of-hours GP services, NoWDOC and Caredoc, will be open from 6pm Friday August 4 until 8am Tuesday August 8.
Contact GP out of hours service prior to attending the service. Caredoc can be contacted on 0818 365 399 and NoWDOC on 0818 400 911.
Dermot Monaghan, Chief Officer, Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo said hospital emergency departments are experiencing very high attendances.
“EDs are for life threatening emergencies, patients who attend for routine and non-urgent treatment will be waiting a long time to be seen.
“Please do not visit a healthcare setting if you have any symptoms of Covid-19 (sore throat, cough, temperature or shortness of breath,” said Mr Monaghan.
Dr Áine Mc Namara, Area Director of Public Health Area F is advising people to be mindful of flu symptoms due to an increase in Covid-19 in the region.
“While spending time with family and friends, it is important that if you are feeling unwell to avoid meeting those who are vulnerable to protect them from illness.
“In the past week, there was an increase in COVID-19 cases nationally (22 per cent increase in cases and 19 per cent increase in hospitalised cases).
“Keeping up to date with your vaccines is the most important thing you can do to avoid serious Covid-19 illness,” said Mr McNamara.
Menawhile, JJ McGowan, General Manager Operations West with National Ambulance Service added that the ambulance service is extremely busy at present.
“We continue to prioritise calls so the most seriously ill or injured receive the quickest response.
“Please consider all your care options because non life-threatening calls will have longer wait times. In an emergency always call 112/999,” said Mr McGowan.
Many local pharmacies will be open over the weekend including Bank Holiday Monday to help with minor illnesses.
Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals and can help you get the right medicine if you are feeling unwell, they can also advise on range of health issues.
Find out more about the services offered by your local pharmacy here: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/pharmacy/
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