HSE Tipperary care options are being highlighted as Tipperary University Hospital manages unusually high demand and large numbers of people attending its Emergency Department. The Health Service Executive (HSE) is asking people with non-emergency health concerns to choose the most appropriate service before going to hospital.
People should contact their GP during normal surgery hours, or use the GP out-of-hours service when their doctor is unavailable. Choosing the right care setting can help patients receive suitable treatment while allowing emergency teams to prioritise those with serious or life-threatening conditions.
HSE Tipperary care options include Cashel Injury Unit
The Cashel Injury Unit, located at Our Lady’s Campus, Lower Green, Cashel, County Tipperary, is available for recent injuries that are not life-threatening and are unlikely to require hospital admission.
The service accepts public attendances for people aged five and over from Monday to Friday. Opening hours begin at 8am, with public attendance available until 6.30pm. Patients should check the latest HSE information before travelling.
Conditions treated at the injury unit
The Cashel service can assess and treat a range of injuries that might otherwise lead people to attend an Emergency Department, including:
- Broken bones and selected dislocations
- Sprains, strains and minor head injuries
- Cuts, wounds, bites, burns and scalds
- Objects in the eyes, ears or nose
- Facial, dental and nasal injuries
- Injuries sustained within the previous six weeks
Available treatments may include X-rays, wound care, suturing, plaster casts, splints and joint-reduction procedures for selected dislocations. More information is available through the HSE Cashel Injury Unit service page.
Fees and eligibility
Attendance at Cashel Injury Unit costs €75. Patients with a valid medical card or a GP hospital referral are not charged.
When to attend Tipperary University Hospital Emergency Department
Anyone experiencing a genuine emergency should attend the Emergency Department, where patients are assessed and prioritised according to clinical need. The hospital is currently treating many seriously ill patients, while pressure on beds is contributing to delays for people waiting to be admitted to a ward.
Patients seeking routine or non-urgent care at the ED may face lengthy waits because the sickest patients are treated first. This does not mean emergency symptoms should be ignored. In a serious situation, call 112 or 999 or go directly to the Emergency Department.
Choosing the right healthcare service
For non-urgent illness or injury, the recommended first steps are:
- Contact your GP during normal opening hours.
- Use the GP out-of-hours service when required.
- Consider the Cashel Injury Unit for suitable recent injuries.
- Attend the Emergency Department for serious or potentially life-threatening conditions.
Key takeaway for people in Tipperary
The HSE’s message is to select the service that matches the urgency of the condition. Using GPs and the Cashel Injury Unit for appropriate non-emergency care can support patients and reduce pressure on Tipperary University Hospital, while anyone facing a medical emergency should seek immediate hospital care.
Article/Image Courtesy: HSE
