HSE Injury Unit attendances up 14.5pc across country in year
Injury units in midlands are open this bank holiday weekend
Use the injury unit finder on the HSE website to find your nearest injury unit
New HSE data shows that HSE injury unit attendances were up 14.5% in 2024 compared to 2023, showing that more and more people are trusting their nearby injury unit for treatment.
With summer here and the August bank holiday here, more people are spending time outdoors being active. Injury Units in the midlands are gearing up to handle an anticipated surge in outdoor-related injuries, such as broken wrists, dislocations and sprains.
Injury Units are located in Mullingar, Nenagh, Roscommon and Naas.
Dr Dónal Fitzsimons, acting Integrated Healthcare Area manager, HSE Midlands, said: “During the summer, especially around the August bank holiday, we typically see an increase in people coming to the injury unit with broken bones, sprains and other injuries that occurred during outdoor activities, like injuries to ankles, wrists and fingers.
"We want to highlight the excellent service provided by the experienced doctors, advanced nurse practitioners and nurses at injury units in the midlands and remind the public that they are open this weekend."
HSE Injury Units treat injuries that are not life-threatening, such as broken bones, sprains and strains, from knees to toes and from collarbone to fingertips. They also treat dislocations and minor burns.
Expert clinical teams take X-rays, apply plaster casts and treat wounds with stitches or bandages. They can provide swift access to tests, refer patients to specialist care and arrange follow-up appointments where necessary.
Patients attending an injury unit are typically seen and discharged quicker than if they attended the Emergency Department (ED), where patients with more severe illnesses and injuries take priority.
As Injury Units treat injuries that are not life-threatening, any patient requiring emergency hospital treatment should not delay, they should go to their local ED or dial 999 or 112 in an emergency.
EDs are for life threatening emergencies, but all patients who present there will be seen and treated. The sickest and most urgent patients are prioritised.
Dr Fitzsimons added: "We anticipate that emergency departments will be busy over the weekend. Patients presenting with non-urgent injuries may face longer waiting times, depending on the number of people attending and the severity of patient illnesses. Our staff work hard to do all they can to reduce the length of time patients wait in EDs and we apologise for any long delays people might experience.”
Injury Units are not able to treat serious head, back or neck injuries, abdominal (stomach) pain, medical illnesses or mental health problems. Patients with urgent and life-threatening injuries should still go to the ED.
You do not need an appointment and the cost to attend theiInjury unit is €75. There is no charge for patients with full medical cards or with a valid medical/GP referral letter.
Regional Hospital Mullingar Injury Unit
Charter Medical Private Hospital, Ballinderry, Mullingar, Westmeath, N91 FE40
Monday - Friday, 8am to 7.30pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 5.30pm
Bank holiday Mondays: 10am to 5.30pm
Service Available To: Age 16 and older
Phone: 044 938 5331
Nenagh Injury Unit
Tyone, Nenagh, Tipperary, E45 PT86
Monday to Sunday 8am to 8pm, including Bank holidays
Service Available To: Adults and children aged 5 and older
Phone: 067 423 11
Roscommon Injury Unit
Roscommon University Hospital, Athlone Road, Roscommon, F42 AX61
Monday to Sunday 8am to 8pm, including Bank holidays
Service Available To: Adults and children aged 5 and older
Phone: 090 663 2212
Naas Hospital Injury Unit
Vista Primary Care Centre, Ballymore Eustace Road, Naas, Kildare, W91 X38W
Monday to Sunday 10am to 8pm. Service Available To: Age 16 and older
Phone: 045 872 135
To find out where your nearest injury unit is located, use our Injury Unit Finder at hse.ie/injuryunits.
You can also learn more about what injury units treat at https://www2.hse.ie/emergencies/when-to-visit-an-injury-unit/.
There are many care options to consider including injury units, GP Out of Hours, GPs and community pharmacies. Additionally, many everyday illnesses can be treated at home, visit the HSE website for the symptom checker and information on when to get help.
Find your nearest emergency department, injury unit and GP out-of-hours services in Ireland here.