As winter takes hold, staff at Roscommon University Hospital have reminded people that the injury unit is open from 8 am to 8 pm every day as an alternative to visiting an emergency department for patients with a wide range of non-life and non-limb threatening injuries.
Maggie Mew (advanced nurse practitioner, Roscommon Injury Unit) said: “Every year – and particularly during the winter months – emergency departments see vast numbers of patients who could be treated more appropriately somewhere else, and a busy emergency department is not the right place for you if you have a minor injury.
“Here at Roscommon Injury Unit, we are able to see, diagnose and treat a wide range of injuries for both adults and children over the age of five. You do not need to make an appointment as we have a walk-in service, and the team is experienced in treating people quickly and efficiently.
“We treat injuries from shoulder to finger, and knee to toe, including non-life or non-limb threatening injuries like broken bones, fractures, scalds, minor burns, traumatic wounds, sports injuries such as hand and ankle injuries, and the removal of foreign bodies from the eye, ear and nose. The injury unit provides quick access to tests and x-rays and should you require a referral to specialist care, we will arrange all that for you.
“This winter, if you need treatment for a minor injury, come to Roscommon Injury Unit. By doing so, you will get the care and treatment you need while avoiding long wait times. More importantly, by coming to us for your care, you are allowing emergency department staff to concentrate on patients who have serious and life-threatening conditions”.
Last year, more than 6,700 people attended the injury unit and so far this year, 7,800 people have attended.
“You don’t have to be from Roscommon to attend our injury unit. We see patients from Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Offaly, Galway and Westmeath,” Maggie Mew added.
“If you are looking for advice on your injury and want to know if you should attend the Roscommon Injury Unit, please do call us on 090-6632212”.
