However, anyone who requires urgent care will be prioritised.
The HSE is urging the public to consider their options before presenting at Emergency Departments this Bank Holiday weekend.
The Health Executive is warning that the ED at the Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar will be busy over the next few days.
They are advising people to use the Minor Injury Unit, in Charter Medical Private Hospital, Ballinderry, as it will allow them to avoid unnecessary long visits to the ED and will be treated quicker and free up staff in the ED
It is open to those over the age of 16.
The unit will be open:
Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am to 6:00pm and on Tuesday open 8:00am to 6:00pm.
Patients who attend will be charged a fee of €75. There is no charge for patients who have a Medical Card or who have a referral letter from either their General Practice or from the ED.
Waiting times for patients who attend Injury Units are significantly less than those who may have to wait in busy Emergency Departments.
The average time to be seen and discharged in an Injury Unit is under two hours.
Injury Units treat the following:
- Suspected broken bones to arm (from collar bone to fingertip)
- Suspected broken bones in legs (from knees to toes)
- Sprains and strains
- Wounds, bites (animal or insect) cuts, grazes and scalp laceration
- Minor burns and scalds
- Minor chest injuries
If you require urgent care, please ring 999/112 or attend your closest ED as soon as possible.
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