Newly co-opted Sinn Féin Councillor Debbie McCole has urged people to consider ‘alternative care options’ if possible to ease the pressure on Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.
Cllr McCole, who is also a paramedic, said “I am witnessing at first hand the significant pressure on the Emergency department (ED) that the Hospital in Drogheda is experiencing. The staff is continuing to provide exceptional care to those in urgent need but with the high volume of patients, minor cases are facing significant delays.”
The HSE warned that we are in the mid of the ‘flu season’ and have advised that additional Daytime GP expended clinics will be available from 27th December and are asking that people check if their own GP is participating in this arrangement.
Cllr McCole advised “If you have a mild illness or non-urgent conditions then please consider visiting your GP, your local pharmacist or out of hours services. This will free up valuable space in the ED for those who require immediate and urgent care and if you fall into that category then please go to the ED.”
As a paramedic, Cllr McCole said “It’s important to note that the National Ambulance Service is facing similar challenges. Please reserve emergency ambulance calls for critical situations. Arriving at the hospital by ambulance does not guarantee faster treatment. All patients are triaged based on the severity of their condition regardless of how they arrive.
“By utilising alternative care options where possible and reserving ambulances for emergencies we can help reduce the strain on our emergency services. In the meantime please stay safe and healthy over the holidays.”
