HSE Mid West is urging Limerick people to familiarise themselves with all local community and hospital options this October bank holiday weekend.
Instead of presenting to the emergency department of University Hospital Limerick (UHL), people are asked to consider GP out-of-hours services, who can refer patients to medical assessment units if required.
Shannondoc provides urgent out-of-hours medical services 6 pm-8 am Monday to Friday and for the duration of the Bank Holiday weekend and can be contacted on 0818 123 500.
Local pharmacies will also be able to assist with minor illness and tell you if you need to see a GP.
Injury and medical assessment units in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s also offer an alternate pathway to the emergency department and are open from 8 am to 8 pm for walk-in treatment of minor injuries such as breaks, sprains and burns.
You do not need an appointment to attend an Injury Unit, and if you’re referred by a GP you will not have to pay the €75 fee.
If you are anxious or unsure where to go, ring your Injury Unit and our expert team can advise you.
·    St John’s Injury Unit (8am-8pm), Limerick City, 061 462132
·    Ennis Injury Unit (8am-8pm), 065 686 3121
·    Nenagh Injury Unit (8am-8pm), 067 42311
Medical Assessment Units are open 16 hours a day, 8am to 12 midnight, seven days a week. They provide a direct referral pathway for GPs to secure prompt assessment and treatment of medical patients who otherwise might have presented to Limerick ED.
The Emergency Department at UHL is open 24/7 for the most acute and life-threatening conditions.
HSE Mid West said while the ED is “experiencing high attendances in the run-up to the holiday weekend, we are working to maximise patient flow in our acute hospitals and across the healthcare system in the region.”