Injury Unit At Naas General Hospital Is Here To Stay

Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore has received confirmation from Naas General Hospital that they have been given approval from the HSE to proceed with the procurement process for a permanent Injury Unit for the area.

This decision follows the success of an initial six-week pilot scheme which was launched last January offering patients in Kildare and West Wicklow a walk-in public service for the treatment of a range of injuries.

“This is very positive and welcome news from Naas General Hospital that the Injury Unit will become a permanent service for patients in Kildare and West Wicklow,” commented Deputy Whitmore.

“With estimated waiting and treatment times of less than two hours for Injury Units, the trial unit in Naas has offered people a local and quick alternative to the long waiting times often experienced when visiting hospital emergency rooms,” added Ms Whitmore.

Of the 14 HSE Injury Units in operation across the country three, including Naas, have a treatment age range of 16 years and over for patients. St Colmcille’s Injury Unit in Loughlinstown treats patients from age 14 years and over and the Cork City based HSE Injury Unit is for patients aged 10 plus.

Cashel Injury Unit treats patients from three years old whilst the remaining eight Injury Units across the country treat patients from age five and up.

The Injury Unit will continue to be located at Vista Primary Care in Naas during the procurement process and provides a walk-in service to patients over 16 years old from 10am to 8pm, seven days a week.

Providing full imaging and x-ray facilities, the Naas Hospital Injury Unit will be able to diagnose and treat a wide range of injuries on site.

These include broken bones, sprains, minor facial injuries, minor scalds and burns, wounds, bites, cuts and grazes, small abscesses and boils, splinters, objects stuck in eyes, nose or ears and minor head injuries.

 A fee of €75 will apply except for Medical Card holders or patients with a referral letter from their GP, KDoc or the Emergency Department.