HSE say plan ahead as GP out of hours will be busy
THE HSE has asked that over the holiday period people keep the GP Out of Hours Service for people with urgent medical problems only.
Head of Planning, HSE Primary Care Division Brian Murphy said: “As the Christmas holidays are the busiest times for the GP Out of Hours Services, we are asking people to reserve this service for people with urgent medical problems only.”
He also stressed it was important to plan ahead: “We want to remind people to be prepared by renewing prescriptions early and to book GP appointments for routine visits during normal clinic hours.”
“We have set up a ‘Stay Well this Christ- mas’ web page on the HSE site at www.hse. ie/winter to provide information and advice on keeping well over the holiday period.
“I would urge everyone to take measures to stay well this holiday season and for the New Year.
“I wish everyone a healthy and safe Christmas and New Year,” he added.
Other advice is to stock up on home medicine cabinet essentials at your local pharmacy; painkillers- including painkillers for kids, indigestion remedies, cough and cold medicines, plasters, bandages, antiseptic cream, thermometer, contraceptives and a minor injury first aid kit are all sensible items to have to hand.
For common ailments like coughs, colds and sore throats, you’ ll find straightforward advice on www.undertheweather.ie
The GP Out of Hours service is available outside the routine GP surgery times over the holidays including the bank holidays and weekends.
This service is for patients who have urgent medical problems that cannot wait until their own GP practice re-opens.
The GP Out of Hours Service for the North West is - Caredoc Sligo, North Leitrim and West Cavan.
The phone number is 0818 365 399 and the treatment centre is located in the Primary Care Building, Barrack St, Sligo.