HSE Midlands encourages public to keep well over Christmas and New Year

As the Christmas and New Year holiday approaches, the HSE is encouraging the public to keep well and to know where to go if they need urgent care this Christmas and New Year.

Hospitals are reporting high numbers of patients presenting at Emergency Departments for care and treatment, including a sharp increase in the number of patients presenting with Flu and Covid-19.

People are reminded that it is not too late to get the flu vaccine, particularly those who are vulnerable, younger and older.

Carole Broadbank, Integrated Healthcare Manager for HSE Midlands said: “It’s vitally important that people know their options and keep well over the Christmas period. We are seeing a sharp increase of people presenting with viral winter illness with increasing levels of Flu and Covid-19 circulating in the community.

"It is important that we protect ourselves and our families by getting vaccinated and staying at home and away from those most vulnerable if you are experiencing symptoms of cold and flu. This will help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases such as Flu, Covid and RSV.

“We have been working very hard to ensure patients who need emergency care are prioritised while responding to the additional pressures associated with respiratory illness at this time of year. Unfortunately, people attending with less serious illness or injury will experience longer waiting times.

"We are working with our community health services to ensure that those patients who can be treated in alternative services are seen and avoid hospital admission and that a continuous focus remains on patient flow through our hospitals, with additional senior decision makers on site, using appropriate private hospitals beds, where available and are providing support to ensure patients are discharged home or to other appropriate facilities, once they are clinically fit for discharge.”

As always Emergency Departments will continue to see and treat patients who require urgent and emergency treatment first.

Patients who attend Emergency Departments for routine and non-urgent treatment are being advised that they will experience very long waiting times.

The HSE regrets this delay and is asking all to help our staff through a challenging time for our services by:

* Considering all healthcare options before attending ED including Injury Units, GP services and pharmacies

* Dialling 999 or 112 for emergency care if there is concern for serious illness or injury

* Maintaining good hand hygiene practices at all times and in particular when attending hospitals

* Following all infection control measures including visiting restrictions in hospitals and hospitals wards

As always if you or someone else is seriously ill or needs urgent emergency care do not delay going to ED or dialling 999/112 for help.

For up-to-date guidelines including visiting times, see: www2.hse.ie/services/hospitals/