Kildare's Naas General Hospital advises patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service

Naas General Hospital (NGH) in Kildare is asking patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service.

This is due to NGH experiencing a significant increase in patients presenting, including a high number of patients presenting to the Emergency Department with flu and RSV.

Patients are experiencing long wait times for admission to an inpatient bed. 

Kieran McDonald, Hospital Manager said: "We have experienced an extremely busy weekend. We are utilising all available capacity both across hospitals in the region and within the private sector.

"We have additional staff and senior decision makers available and remain focused on patient flow prioritising safe patient care. The Hospital would like to apologise to those that are experiencing long waiting times."

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Where possible, the management at Naas General Hospital is asking patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service.

There are a range of care pathways available to patients who do not need emergency care including:

- Pharmacies: For advice on common minor illnesses. Find out more here : https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/pharmacy/

- Out of Hours Urgent GP Services: KDOC operates an appointment only service for urgent medical needs. The out of hours centres are located in Naas and Celbridge. Opening hours are Monday to Friday – 17:30 – 8:00am and weekends & bank holidays – open 24 hours a day. Call: 045 848 701 to book an appointment or go to www.kdoc.ie for more information.

- Injury Units: These units treat a wide range of injuries such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains and strains, minor burns and scalds for all patients. All units have access to x-ray and basic diagnostic services. The nearest injury unit in Kildare and West Wicklow is: 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

For more information see www.hse.ie/injuryunits

Emergency Departments treat seriously ill patients. Visit an ED or call 999 or 112 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. Those with less severe injuries and symptoms may have to wait longer to be seen in Emergency Departments. 

Information on how to manage common illness and advice on when to get emergency help is also available at https://www2.hse.ie/living-well/ and https://www2.hse.ie/my-child/ in relation to children.