Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise issues bank holiday health guidelines 

Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise is reminding the public to consider all care options, including local Injury Units, GPs, pharmacists, and GP out-of-hours services before attending the emergency department (ED).

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 https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/pharmacy/ 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 GP out-of-hours service - HSE.ie An Injury Unit can treat a wide range of injuries such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains and strains, minor burns and scalds for all patients. All units have access to x-ray and basic diagnostic services. For more information see www.hse.ie/injuryunits.

Dolores Fall, Deputy Hospital Manager, Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise said, “We continue to be very busy in the lead up to the Bank Holiday weekend. Our emergency department in particular is dealing with significant presentations and hospital admissions. We are working hard to minimise the length of time patients wait to be treated, particularly those aged over 75. Those who believe they may be seriously ill and require emergency care should of course come to hospital, but we would urge others to consider seeking support from pharmacists, GPs, GP out-of-hours services and injury units.” With sunny weather forecast this May Bank Holiday weekend, the HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) reminds everyone to protect themselves from UV radiation and follow the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S’s:

Slip on clothing that covers skin.

Slop on broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+ for adults, 50+ for children).

Slap on a wide-brimmed hat.

Seek shade between 11am and 3pm.

Slide on sunglasses.

Dr Breeda Neville, Specialist in Public Health Medicine, HSE NCCP added: “With the sunny weather forecast for this weekend, people will have more opportunity to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. We want to remind everyone to enjoy the sun safely by following the SunSmart 5S’s. Making SunSmart part of your daily routine is just as important here in Ireland as it is when holidaying abroad as from April to September the sun’s UV rays are strong enough to damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer, even on cloudy days.” For more information please see the SunSmart hub at www.hse.ie/sunsmart and check out #SunSmart on social media.