HSE teams up with Sport Ireland to promote Injury Units in the Mid West

From top to throw: treating your sporting injuries this summer

The HSE has teamed up with Sport Ireland and its network of local sports partnerships to raise awareness of HSE injury units in the Mid West and the expertise they offer to people who sustain a sports injury.

Dr Damien Ryan, Consultant in Emergency and Clinical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care at UL Hospitals Group says, “Summer is here and with more people spending time outdoors and being active, St. John’s, Ennis and Nenagh Injury Units are gearing up to handle an anticipated surge in sports-related injuries, such as broken wrists, dislocations and sprains.

“During the summer, we typically see an increase in people coming to the injury unit with broken bones, sprains and other injuries that occurred during sports and outdoor activities, like injuries to ankles, wrists and fingers. We are partnering with Sport Ireland to highlight the excellent service provided by the experienced doctors, advanced nurse practitioners and nurses at the three Injury Units here in the Mid West - your first port of call for sports injuries this summer.”

Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, says, “We are thrilled to be involved in the promotion of the Injury Units in the Mid West. It’s important to know where you can find your nearest injury unit, especially at this time of year when we are all enjoying the longer days by getting outside and being active.

“By partnering with the HSE, we want to help ensure that everyone in the Mid West region can take part in sport this summer with the confidence of knowing that expert care isn't far away if anything goes wrong.”

Locally, UL Hospitals Group has launched an initiative with GAA clubs across Limerick, Clare and Tipperary to promote Injury Units in the Mid West. The group has also partnered with public libraries. Both the GAA clubs and libraries are displaying information posters and sharing information about Injury Units on their social media to raise awareness of the units and their benefits. As Emergency Departments across Ireland experience significant and increased pressures, UL Hospitals Group is encouraging the public to make Injury Units their first port of call when seeking care for a non-life threatening injury.

HSE Injury Units treat non-life-threatening injuries such as breaks, sprains and strains, from knees to toes and from collarbone to fingertips. They also treat dislocations and minor burns.

Expert clinical teams take X-rays, apply plaster casts and treat wounds with stitches or bandages. They can provide swift access to tests, refer patients to specialist care and arrange follow-up appointments where necessary.

Patients attending St. John’s, Ennis and Nenagh units are usually in and out of the unit within two hours. This wait is typically much quicker than what you would expect if you were to attend a busy Emergency Department (ED), where patients with more serious illnesses take priority. More than one in three of all unscheduled care presentations to our services are now taking place at our Injury Units. In 2023, 46,702 patients attended our Injury Units in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s, representing a 6% increase on 2022 and since 2019 attendances have grown by 40%.

Injury Units are unable to treat serious head, back or neck injuries, abdominal (stomach) pain, medical illnesses or mental health problems. Patients with urgent and life-threatening injuries should still go to the ED.

You don’t need an appointment and the cost to attend the Injury Unit is €75. There is no charge for patients with full medical cards or with a valid medical/GP referral letter. Please see the information below for the opening hours and contact details for Injury Units in the Mid West.

To find out more, visit hse.ie/injuryunits. Anxious or unsure if you should come to an Injury Unit? Ring your Injury Unit, our expert team can advise you.

ENDS

HSE injury units near you

• St. John’s Injury Unit - (061) 462 303
• Ennis Injury Unit - (065) 686 3121
• Nenagh Injury Unit - (067) 42311

Visit HSE.ie or scan the QR code below for a full list of all HSE injury units