More hospital beds are expected to be freed up nationally with the introduction of a new discharge system.
Chris Kane, spokesperson for the HSE West’s Winter Initiative Team, says the health authority is focusing on the development of an integrated discharge planning system for health services across the country.
“This will mean that patients who don’t need to be in an acute bed are discharged to home or to an appropriate level of care.”
Ms Kane’s comments came as the HSE launched its “Use the right door” campaign which gives people information on the various health services available. Making people more aware of these “five doors” will make it easier for them to select the most appropriate and quickest way to get advice or help.
The variety of healthcare, advice and information include “Your Own Door” - many accidents occur at home so a well-stocked and easily accessible home first aid kit is important. A basic knowledge of first aid is also very useful. A first aid kit can help reduce the pain and trauma of an accident at home.
“The “Pharmacy Door” - for many people their local pharmacy is their first point of contact with the health service when they are ill or need medical advice. Pharmacists are a great source of sound judgment and advice.
The “Doctor (GP ) Clinic Door” - most doctors’ clinics provide an emergency appointment service during normal clinic hours. You should register yourself and your family with a local GP and if you do not have the details of your nearest doctor telephone the Winter Information Line at 1850 24 1850.
“Doctor Out of Hours Door” - the Doctor Out of Hours Service (GP out of hours ) is a clinical service for problems that require urgent care outside of normal working hours. The Out of Hours Service is available from 6pm until 8am Monday to Thursday and at the weekend from 6pm on Friday until 8am on Monday.”
The final door - the “Emergency Department Door” is for seriously ill patients, according to the HSE.
“As soon as somebody arrives at an emergency department they are clinically prioritised using an internationally recognised triage system. The triage process ensures the most seriously ill patients are seen first while patients with less severe injuries wait longer and those with minor injuries longer still.”
Ms Kane says sometimes the EM door is the first one people think of when they need help. If their needs are not urgent they are encouraged to consider one of the other doors, she stresses.
“It could be a far easier and faster way get the right type of help or advice that they need. The Winter Initiative is building on the improvements that were introduced in recent years.”
For further information on GP out-of hours-services telephone the Winter Information Line at1850 24 1850 (lines are open from 8am to 8pmMonday to Saturday ).
