26/11/2025
HSE South West advises that only urgent cases should attend Emergency Department at UHK
HSE South West is cautioning that the Emergency Department at UHK is experiencing very high levels of activity with long waiting times for some patients.
With this high number of presentations to the Emergency Department, HSE South West is reminding the public to consider all care options before travelling to the ED - including GPs, pharmacists and SouthDoc out-of-hours services.
Damien Moyles, Operations Manager at UHK said:
“We must take care of the sickest people first. Staff at the UHK Emergency Department prioritise patients in terms of clinical need, and at the moment, wait times for non-urgent care may be lengthy. Everyone arriving to the ED is clinically assessed and seen in order of priority, so anyone with non-urgent presentations will be waiting a long time. As always, anyone with an urgent or emergency care need should attend the Emergency Department, but anyone with a less serious condition should review all their other options.”
He added:
“Our team is working incredibly hard at the moment to make sure that those in most need of emergency care receive it as quickly as possible. The public can help the hospital team by considering other trusted health services, such as GPs, SouthDoc, pharmacists, and injury units. As always, people who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised.”
HSE Area Manager for Kerry Julie O'Neill said:
"UHK is seeing a very high level of attendances at the moment. We need to manage the pressure on the ED, so that we can we continue to prioritise those who are sickest. Those who believe they may be seriously ill and require emergency care should come to UHK, but we would ask others who are not seriously ill, to consider seeking support from pharmacists, GPs, SouthDoc and the Injury Units in Mallow or Bantry if appropriate.”
Ms O’Neill repeated the “think three times” messaging of the Caring for Kerry public awareness campaign, reminding people to think three times before attending the Emergency Department.
Think once – your local pharmacy. Many minor illnesses can be managed fully in the pharmacy, helping you feel better faster and avoiding unnecessary waits. This should be your first stop for minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, sore throats, earaches, rashes and stomach upsets.
Think twice – your GP or out of hour GP service (SouthDoc). GP surgeries are busy at this time of year, but they will attempt to accommodate an urgent problem if it means saving you a trip to the emergency department. They can assess a wide range of concerns, arrange tests, imaging, referrals to specialists, and can potentially save you a trip to the Emergency Department, which is for critical emergencies only.
Think a third time – Injury Units in Mallow and Bantry. Killarney is just one hour from the Mallow injury unit, and Tralee is only one hour 20 minutes from the Mallow injury unit. If you’re in South Kerry, Bantry is closer than UHK and could give you the expert care you need quickly.
Ms O’Neill added:
“It’s important to choose the right care so that you and your family get the support you need as quickly as possible. Your local pharmacy or GP should be your first points of contact when feeling unwell. Many common illnesses and concerns can be treated quickly and safely without attending an Emergency Department.
“Your pharmacist and GP know your medical history and are better placed to better manage your care; they can also help direct you to the ED if it’s necessary. By contacting your pharmacy, GP service or local Injury Unit first, you get quicker access to the care you need—while helping keep Emergency Departments available for those who urgently need life-saving treatment”.
