Management at Tipperary University Hospital in Clonmel is appealing to the public to only attend in the case of a genuine emergency. The Emergency Department is reporting a high volume of patient presentations today. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation(INMO) reports 20 patients on trolleys at the hospital earlier today.
Hospital Management say the public should consider seeking healthcare from their local GP, the Caredoc out of hours service, a pharmacy or the Injury Unit in Cashel which is operational Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Hospital management say the appeal is made to keep the ED services for patients who need them most. Any member of the public that is seriously injured or ill, or are worried that their life is at risk should attend the ED where staff will assess and treat them as a priority.
Cashel Injury Unit is located in Our Lady’s Campus, Lower Green Cashel (E25 P407) and provides care to persons aged 3 and older. It is in operation Monday to Friday 9am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm. Telephone 062 70400.
Injury units treat injuries that are not life-threatening and are unlikely to need a hospital stay. For example, broken bones, dislocations, and minor burns. Appointments are not necessary and treatment such as x-rays, plaster casts, and wound care is provided in an injury unit.
It costs €75 to attend an injury unit. There is no charge for patients with a medical card, a medical or GP referral letter or referral from an emergency department.
Injury units can treat:
· broken bones, sprains and strains, from knees to toes
· broken bones, sprains and strains, from collarbone to fingertips
· minor facial injuries (including oral, dental and nasal injuries)
· minor scalds and burns
· wounds, bites, cuts, grazes and scalp lacerations (cuts)
· small abscesses and boils
· splinters and fish hooks
· objects stuck in eyes, ears or nose
· minor head injuries (fully-conscious patients, who did not have loss of consciousness or vomit after the head injury)
