Wicklow injury unit warns of surge in broken bones, sprains and ankle injuries as summer arrives

Lorraine O’Toole, Manager in St Columcille’s Hospital, which is located on the Bray Road, in Loughlinstown south Dublin and serves all of north Wicklow, said staff are now getting ready for a busy season.

“Summer is here and with more people spending time outdoors and being active, we’re 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 in St Columcille’s, your first port of call for sports injuries this summer,” she said.

Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, added: “We are very happy to highlight the Injury Unit in St Columcille’s. 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 South Dublin and Wicklow can take part in sport this summer with the confidence of knowing that expert care isn’t far away if anything goes wrong.”

HSE Injury Units treat injuries that are not life-threatening, such as broken bones, 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 an injury unit are typically seen and discharged quicker than if they attended the Emergency Department (ED), where patients with more serious illnesses take priority. At the moment, we are seeing an average wait time for patients of around two hours.”

Injury Units are not able 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 do not 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.

St Columcille’s Injury Unit Loughlinstown is for anyone age 14 and older and is open from 8.00am until 6.00pm daily.