Limerick public urged to explore alternatives to emergency departments ahead of bank holiday

AS THE bank holiday weekend approaches, UL Hospitals Group (ULHG) and HSE Mid West Community Healthcare (MWCH) are taking steps to promote alternative healthcare options for the public, to relieve pressure on the Emergency Department (ED) at UHL and ensure timely access to medical services.

Injury Units (walk-in) and Medical Assessment Units (GP referrals) are being highlighted as key alternatives to ED attendance at UHL. Additionally, it is said that both hospital and community services are bolstering their staff rosters to enhance patient flow and access to services throughout the bank holiday period.

MWCH will expand its Community Intervention Team services, running from 8am to 8pm daily, to support patient discharges from ULHG across the Bank Holiday weekend. Essential equipment, such as hospital beds and mattresses, will be provided to patients leaving hospitals through the Aids and Appliances Department.

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Furthermore, additional health professionals, including Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Medical Social Work, will facilitate patient discharges from ULHG on Bank Holiday Monday.

To ensure timely access to care and reduce hospital visits, GP out-of-hours services will be operational throughout the weekend. In UHL, additional emergency medicine consultants and nursing staff will be rostered for ED triage. Senior ULHG management are also said to be present on-site daily to oversee operations, and additional radiology support will be in place to facilitate diagnostic reporting.

For the three days of the holiday weekend, the community paramedic is to be on call. Additionally, the region's Pathfinder service, run by ULHG Allied Health staff and the HSE National Ambulance Service, will provide safe ED-alternative care at home for people over 65 years on Bank Holiday Monday, from 8am to 8pm.

Despite the ED being open 24/7 for emergency care, ULHG is urging the public to consider the Injury Unit and Medical Assessment Unit pathways for less acute medical conditions. Over the past years, there has been a notable increase in activity at these units as the public becomes more aware of these treatment options.

According to a UHLG spokesperson, from January to July 2023, 25,891 patients attended their Injury Units, marking a 2% increase compared to the same period last year. These units provide timely treatment for non-life-threatening injuries like sprains, breaks, cuts, and burns.

Meanwhile, a record 12,737 patients were referred to the Medical Assessment Units in 2022. However, it's important to note that patients should not attend MAUs without a GP referral for unwell medical conditions.

Dr Damien Ryan, Emergency Medicine Consultant and ULHG Clinical Director of Urgent & Emergency Care, urged members of the public to familiarise themselves with the full range of treatment options available in UL Hospitals Group, especially the access arrangements around Injury Units and Medical Assessment Units.

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Dr Ryan said: "The ED at UHL is one of the busiest in Ireland, as it serves people from three counties. Long waits are inevitable for patients who are not acutely ill with life-threatening conditions or injuries: those are the priority cases in any ED."

Niamh Wallace, Acting Chief Officer, HSE Mid West Community Healthcare, reminded the public to consider all available healthcare options, including those located in communities throughout the region: "We are encouraging anyone who needs medical support this weekend to take a moment and ensure they choose the best care option for them. This will ensure that you receive the care you need more quickly. "No one wants to make an unnecessary trip to the hospital, and these services may be able to help you to better enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend.

Relatives and loved ones of hospital inpatients are asked to continue using the UL Hospitals Group Visitor App to book visits conveniently and efficiently within the visiting hours on all hospital sites.