HSE Midlands Points To Care Options Ahead Of Bank Holiday

People who require emergency care should continue to attend EDs.

The HSE is urging the public to consider all available healthcare options ahead of the June Bank Holiday weekend.

GP practices, Injury Units, GP Out of Hours services and community pharmacies may be able to provide faster and more convenient care for many non‑emergency needs.

Emergency Departments (ED) provide urgent and emergency treatment, with the most seriously ill prioritised.

Non‑urgent cases may experience longer waiting times. Staff continue working to reduce delays, and the HSE apologises for any extended waits.

As the warm weather continues, staying hydrated is essential to support the body’s ability to regulate temperature, prevent dehydration, and reduce the risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

The HSE advises drinking plenty of water regularly, even when you do not feel thirsty, particularly when spending time outdoors or being physically active.

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of dehydration by causing the body to lose additional fluids, and drinking alcohol in the sun can further impair judgement and heighten the risk of sunburn, heat exhaustion, and accidents.

A spokesperson for HSE Dublin and Midlands says: “As the June Bank Holiday weekend arrives, we encourage the public to use community healthcare services where appropriate. Emergency Departments remain available for urgent and emergency care; however, those with non‑urgent needs may experience longer waiting times. Using Injury Units, GP Out‑of‑Hours services, GPs, and community pharmacies can help people access timely care while reducing pressure on hospitals. Given the recent warm weather, we also remind everyone to stay hydrated by drinking water regularly and to follow Sun Smart advice to protect themselves while outdoors.”

Stay Sun Smart This Weekend

With more people spending time outdoors over the June Bank Holiday weekend, the HSE is also reminding the public to take steps to protect themselves from the sun.

Sun Smart 5 S’s

Slip on protective clothing — long sleeves or collared T‑shirts.

Slop on sunscreen — SPF 30+ for adults, SPF 50+ for children, with high UVA protection and water resistance. Reapply regularly.

Slap on a wide‑brimmed hat.

Seek shade, especially between 11am and 3pm; keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight.

Slide on wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Out of Hours GP Services

Urgent out‑of‑hours GP care is available when your own GP surgery is closed.

These services are appointment‑only and for patients who need urgent care.

MIDOC (Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath) Contact: 1800 302 702 | https://midoctlm.ie

Opening hours: Monday–Friday: 18:00–08:00 | Weekends/ Bank Holidays: 24 hours

KDOC (Naas and Celbridge) Contact: 045 848 701 | https://kdoc.ie Naas

Opening Hours: Monday–Friday: 17:30–08:00 | Weekends/Bank Holidays: 24 hours/ Celbridge Opening Hours: Weekends/Bank Holidays: 10:00–18:00

DubDoc (Dublin 2, 8, 10, 12, 20, parts of Dublin 6 and West Co. Dublin) GP phone consultations available, Contact: 01 454 5607 | https://www.dubdoc.ie

Opening hours: Monday–Friday: 18:00–22:00 (lines open from 17:30) | Weekends /Bank Holidays: 10:00-18:00 (lines open 24 hours)

TLC DOC (Dublin South West) Contact: 045 848 707 (phone lines open 24/7) | https://www.tlcdoc.ie Opening hours: Monday–Friday: 18:00–22:00 (lines open from 17:30) | Weekends / Bank Holidays: 10:00–18:00 (lines open 24 hours)

Injury Units

Injury Units treat non‑life‑threatening injuries such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains, strains and minor burns. All units have access to X‑ray and basic diagnostic services.

For more information, visit www.hse.ie/injuryunits.

HSE asks people to consider all healthcare options, including the Injury Units located in Mullingar, Naas, Nenagh, Roscommon and Smithfield.

1. Mullingar Minor Injuries Unit: Charter Medical Private Hospital, Ballinderry, Mullingar, N91 FE40 (Ages 16+) | Phone: 044 938 5331 Opening hours: Monday–Friday: 08:00–19:30 | Saturday and Sunday: 10:00–17:30 | Bank Holidays: 10:00–17:30

2. Naas Hospital Injury Unit: Vista Primary Care Centre, Ballymore Eustace Road, Naas, W91 X38W (Ages 16+) | Phone: 045 872 135 Opening hours: Monday–Sunday: 10:00–20:00 (including Bank Holidays)

3. Nenagh Injury Unit: Tyone, Nenagh, Tipperary, E45 PT86 (Ages 5+) | Phone: 067 42311 Opening hours: Monday–Friday: 08:00–20:00 (including Bank Holidays)

4. Roscommon Injury Unit: Roscommon University Hospital, Athlone Road, F42 AX61 (Ages 5+) | Phone: 090 663 2212 Opening hours: Monday–Sunday: 08:00–20:00 (including Bank Holidays)

5. Mater Smithfield Rapid Injury Clinic: The Forge, Smithfield Market, Dublin 7, D07 VKP9 | Phone: 01 657 9000 Opening hours: Monday–Thursday: 08:00–17:30 | Weekends/Bank Holidays: Closed

People who require emergency care should continue to attend EDs, where they will be prioritised.

Call 999 or 112 if there is concern for serious illness or injury. Key Advice for the Public Consider all healthcare options before attending an ED.

Visit your pharmacy for advice on common minor illnesses.

Call 999 or 112 for serious illness or injury. Maintain good hand hygiene, especially when visiting hospitals.

Follow infection‑control measures, including any visiting restrictions. Stay Sun Smart this weekend.