FOR KEEPING WELL THIS WINTER
Getting Help When Feeling Unwell
If your condition does not appear to be life-threatening or critically serious, there are ways you can get advice and help when you feel ill or injured before visiting the Emergency Department.
Visit Your Pharmacist
Pharmacists can give expert advice on getting the most from your medicines, either prescribed or over-the-counter. A pharmacist can also help you with a range of health problems, such as aches and pains, allergies, sore throats and colds, eye infections, stomach problems and skin conditions.
Visit Your GP
Your GP (General Practitioner) can give you medical advice, treatment and prescribe medication. They might also refer you to other health professionals to conduct tests, diagnose or treat specific aspects of your condition.
If you are referred to the Emergency Department by your GP, or if you present yourself, here are a few things you should know…
- The ED is available all day every day for those who are seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. The ED is NOT run on a first-come first served basis. The sickest people will be seen first.
- Bring your medicines or photo of your prescription; GP referring letter; next of kin contact information and any mobility aids with you
- Register with reception
- Soon after you check-in you will be seen by a Triage nurse who will prioritise your case based on your condition
- One family member or friend may accompany you to the examination room
- After this assessment you may need to wait depending on the triage assessment – if you r condition changes and you begin to feel worse please let the staff know right away
- You will be seen by the ED medical and or nursing staff where further reassessment and treatment of your condition will occur. You may be referred to other Specialist teams depending on your injury or illness.
- There may be a further wait as these specialists are also working in other areas of the hospital.
If you are admitted to University Hospital Kerry as a patient, here are a few things you should know…
- Bring relevant documents, medical card and details of any private health insurance
- For your own comfort, family/friends should have necessary toiletries and clothes available for you
- Do not bring money or valuables into the Hospital. The Hospital cannot accept responsibility for any items kept by patients throughout the hospital stay. Send valuables home with relations /friends
- Depending on your illness, you may undergo tests and procedures which require your consent. These procedures will be explained to you prior to you signing any consent form
- You r Consultant will answer any questions you have regarding your investigations or illness and your estimated length of stay
- They will also discuss your treatment plan and arrange any follow-up you may need.
- If you or your family think that there are any reasons why you may not be able to go home when your illness had improved please let the doctors and nurses know as soon as possible
- We will make sure your GP receives your discharge letter and give you your prescription before you leave.
- If you need a medical certificate please tell staff as soon as possible so this can be ready for you on the day of discharge.
- Please arrange your lift with a family, friend or relative to take you home before 11.00 on the day of your discharge. Make sure you have your house keys and the right clothes for leaving the hospital including shoes, coat, outdoor clothes.
- Make sure you have your prescription for medication.
- Please also check that you have all your belongings with you before you leave