Naas General Hospital, in collaboration with the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group (DMHG) and HSE Dublin South, Kildare, and West Wicklow Community Healthcare (DSKWWCH), has announced the commencement of operations for the Naas Hospital Injury Unit at Vista Primary Care. Funded through the HSE winter plan, this pilot project for a new injury unit is set to serve patients from Kildare and West Wicklow aged 16 and above, operating seven days a week from 10 am to 8 pm, including bank holidays. The service is scheduled to run for an initial six-week period starting January 29, accepting patients during the specified hours.
Patients can avail themselves of this public service by walking in at a cost of €75, which is lower than the €100.00 fee applicable in Emergency Departments. Medical Card holders or those with a referral letter from their General Practice, KDoc, or the Emergency Department are exempt from charges. Injury Units typically offer shorter waiting times compared to busy Emergency Departments, prioritizing more acutely ill patients. The average time for assessment and discharge in an Injury Unit is under two hours.
Patients who have experienced injuries and should attend an Injury Unit include those with:
- Broken bones, sprains, and strains from collarbone to fingertips
- Minor facial injuries (including oral, dental, and nasal injuries)
- Minor scalds and burns
- Wounds, bites, cuts, grazes, and scalp lacerations (cuts)
- Small abscesses and boils
- Splinters and fish hooks
- Objects stuck in eyes, ears, or nose
