Tullamore hospital issues safety advice for sunny weekend

THE Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore has urged the public to stay sun safe and know the healthcare options this May Bank Holiday weekend.

Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore 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).

The hospital said there are a range of care pathways available to patients who do not need emergency care including: visiting a pharmacy for advice on common minor illnesses (find out more here https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/pharmacy/); making an appointment with a GP if you’re feeling unwell and it is not an emergency or contact the local GP Out of Hours service GP out-of-hours service if it's urgent; 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.

The HSE said all injury units have access to x-ray and basic diagnostic services (for more information see www.hse.ie/injuryunits).

Louisea Burke, general manager, Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore 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.

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Dr Breeda Neville, specialist in Public Health Medicine, HSE NCCP said: “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 see the SunSmart hub at www.hse.ie/sunsmart and check out #SunSmart on social media.

People can also check the UV index forecast in their area on the Met Éireann website (www.met.ie/uv-index) or app.