Following review of updated advice from Met Éireann, all HSE services and appointments scheduled in Kerry for Friday, will go ahead as planned however we are appealing to patients not to travel, unless it is absolutely safe to do so.

Appointments will also go ahead on Friday January 10, at community facilities in Kerry.

However, if you are unable to attend a hospital or community appointment, please call the number provided in your appointment letter or the local team and you will be offered a new appointment as soon as possible. You will not lose your appointment, so please stay safe at home if travel is risky.

If you or your family are unwell, there are a number of treatment options open to you depending on your illness – being prepared and knowing where to go will mean that you will get treated more quickly and will ease pressures on the healthcare system.

Know your healthcare options if you need medical treatment:
1. Self care – Have a well-stocked medicine cabinet to help with colds and sore throats
2. Pharmacy – Ask your pharmacist for advice on common minor illnesses
3. GP Surgery – Make an appointment with your GP if you’re feeling unwell
4. Local Injury units – For minor injuries, broken bones and burns, you could visit a local injury unit
5. Out-of-Hours GP – if your GP clinic is closed, call SouthDoc on 0818 355 999
6. ED or 999/112 – For emergencies, please visit your nearest ED

In addition, vaccination for target groups remains available. To see what vaccines are recommended for you: visit hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist.

HSE South West Regional Executive Officer Dr Andy Phillips said:

“The unwavering commitment of our staff has been highlighted over the past number of days.
As a result of their hard work we are now able to fully resume all non-urgent and outpatient services across Kerry. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the Defence Forces, as well as the community and voluntary organisations, whose remarkable efforts have ensured the safety and well-being of our communities.

While our services will return to normal tomorrow, I urge everyone to exercise caution when travelling to their appointments. Please do not take unnecessary risks in adverse conditions. If you are unable to attend your appointment, please do reach out to us soon as possible, and we will arrange a new appointment for you. Our top priority is to ensure our communities are safe and healthy.

He added:

“Slips and falls in the icy conditions are also a huge concern. People are falling while de-icing the car, letting the dog out, or bringing in shopping. Please take extra care, but if you need non-urgent medical attention, you will be seen faster at a Minor Injury Unit as our Emergency Departments are under severe pressure at the moment. Your GP may also refer you to our Urgent Virtual Care service (UVC) with Cork University Hospital, this is a fantastic new service that can help avoid a visit to the Emergency Department. With the UVC GPs and Paramedics can consult directly by phone or by video call with a senior medical decision maker in Emergency Medicine or Geriatric Medicine”.