Ice falls put pressure on A&E, but HSE services continue
by Danielle Harney Updated: Friday, 10th December, 2010 12:49pm
The emergency departments at the Midland Regional Hospitals at Tullamore, Portlaoise and Mullingar, have seen a significant increase in the number of patients presenting with injuries as a result of the adverse weather.
Trolley watch figures are reflecting the demand on beds. As of yesterday (Thursday), there were seven people waiting on trolleys in Tullamore hospital, 17 in Mullingar and none in Portlaoise. There were five people waiting in Tullamore on Wednesday.
Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore Dr Sean O’Rourke, asked people to take the necessary and basic precautions for walking on icy conditions.
“Ice can easily hide under a light dusting of snow. Just because you don’t see the ice doesn’t mean it’s not there waiting for your unsuspecting footfalls. If you can’t avoid the ice and snow, bend your knees slightly and take slower, shorter steps to help reduce the chance of a slip and fall and an injury,” he said.
“While these conditions continue we would advise that if you do fall and are injured it’s really important that you do not delay in seeking medical attention at the nearest emergency department. The injuries to people who fall on ice are high velocity in their nature and as such there would be a likelihood of breaking a limb which, if left untreated, could result in life long affects so urgent medical attention is of paramount importance.”
The majority of health services around the midlands are operating as normal despite the adverse weather conditions. Notwithstanding the challenges faced, particularly by community based health services in some of the worst affected areas, services are being provided by the HSE with the support of staff and other agencies.
The HSE is also asking people to please contact their hospital out-patient department if they are unable to attend an appointment due to road conditions. Having advance notice that a patient is unable to attend helps the hospital staff plan accordingly to ensure that services can be provided to other patients.
The HSE is also calling on people to check on elderly neighbours as the cold snap continues.
The elderly and vulnerable may need additional support during this adverse weather to ensure that they have adequate food, heating and prescription medicines. The elderly can be particularly prone to hypothermia and pneumonia when temperatures dip so ensuring they have enough heat and hot food and regular hot drinks is particularly important to their wellbeing at this time.
The HSE website and information line has advice on keeping warm and well during the cold conditions. Check out www.hse.ie or phone the information line 1850 24 1850.
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