The number of people attending the emergency department of University Hospital Galway rose by 22 per cent during the Christmas period.
The increase is being attributed mainly to the cold snap which resulted in people sustaining injuries from falls.
A spokesperson for the HSE West says emergency departments around the country were busier than usual over the festive season.
“Much of this can be attributed to the cold snap in the weather which has led to an increase in the number of people presenting with sprains and fractures as a result of slips and falls on icy roads and footpaths. While exact figures for the numbers of people presenting as a result of these types of accidents will not be known until next month, many emergency departments around the country have been particularly busy since the cold snap began.
“The following increases in the number of people presenting at emergency departments were reported in this sample of hospitals across the country for the week ending 27th December.
University College Hospital Galway +22 per cent
Tallaght Hospital + seven per cent
Beaumont Hospital + four per cent
Mater Hospital + fifteen per cent
Connolly Hospital, Naas +25 per cent
Out Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda + two per cent
John Hennessy, HSE assistant national director for acute hospitals, says reports from a selection of hospitals suggest that fractures and sprains as a result of falls on the ice are among the most common injuries being seen at emergency departments.
“Many hospitals have increased the number of orthopaedic theatre sessions to deal with the increase in patients with fractures.
“The response from staff, despite many of them having difficulties travelling to work, has been exceptional with staff across all grades demonstrating real commitment to their roles and to their patients during what has been a challenging time. While there is no doubt that hospitals and staff are extremely busy, they are coping well and are preparing for another busy week ahead, particularly if the low temperatures continue as expected.”
He is urging the public only to atttend emergency departments for “real emergencies” and is advising people to contact their GP or GP out-of-hours services in the first instance.
“Further information on health services in your area is available through the HSE Information Line, 1850 24 1850, and on the HSE website.”
As part of its winter initiative the HSE information booklet, “Keep Well This Winter”, highlights what people can do to protect their health and wellbeing during winter. Aimed particularly at older and vulnerable people, the publication is available from the HSE information line at 1850 24 1850 or www.hse.ie The booklet gives lots of useful tips and advice on keeping safe and healthy and includes contact details for support services.
The HSE offers the following tips on staying safe -
* In icy weather, wear well-fitted shoes with non-slip soles if you have to go out. Try to limit walking during the current cold weather.
* Have your vision checked. People’s eyesight changes as they get older - poor vision can increase your chances of falling.
* As you get older you may need to change the dose of your medicines - check with your doctor. Some medicines or combinations of medicines may make you feel faint or light-headed which could lead to a fall.
* Consider wearing a personal alarm so that family or neighbours are alerted if you fall.
* If you have a fall, even a minor one, make sure you visit your doctor for a check up.
