As we look forward to the June Bank Holiday weekend, HSE South West is reminding everyone in Cork to enjoy the outdoors safely – by protecting your skin from the sun and staying safe around water.
Alongside these safety tips, people are encouraged to think about all their healthcare options before going to the Emergency Department. Many health services will be open over the weekend, including pharmacies, Injury Units and GP Out-of-Hours service SouthDoc.
Dr Andy Phillips, Regional Executive Officer, HSE South West said:
“Lá Saoire i mí Mheitheamh, this bank holiday, is a great time to get out into the countryside with friends and family to enjoy the cultural and sporting events happening in Cork. We hope that you’ll protect your skin from the sun and take care on the mountains, near water, or when swimming. If you have an urgent but less serious need for healthcare, please visit one of our Injury Units and help us keep Emergency Departments for those who need them most.”
SunSmart Tips – even on cloudy days
From April to September, the sun’s UV rays in Ireland are strong enough to damage your skin – even when it’s cloudy. Follow the SunSmart 5 S’s:
- Slip on clothing that covers your skin
- Slop on sunscreen (SPF 30+ for adults, 50+ for kids)
- Slap on a wide-brimmed hat
- Seek shade between 11am and 3pm
- Slide on sunglasses
Shirley O’Shea, the Senior Health Promotion and Improvement Officer - Cancer Prevention for the South West said:
“Spending time outdoors is such an important part of summer, but it is important that children and adults are protected and safe in the sun. Make SunSmart part of your daily routine especially from April-September when the intensity of UV radiation from the sun is greatest, even when it is cloudy.”
Healthcare options this weekend
If you or a loved one is seriously ill or injured, please call 999/112 or make your way to an Emergency Department. However, if your injury or illness isn’t critical or urgent - there are a range of local options available to you and your family.
Options for non-emergency healthcare include:
- Self-care – Have a well-stocked medicine cabinet for common ailments
- Your local pharmacist: www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/pharmacy/
- Your GP (fill routine prescriptions ahead of the bank holiday weekend)
- South Doc, the GP Out-of-Hours service is on 0818 355 999
- Injury units – full list on hse.ie/injuryunits
Injury units treat injuries that are not life-threatening, such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains, wounds, scalds and minor burns. This weekend, the following injury units will be available in Cork:
- Mercy Injury Unit Gurranabraher at St Mary’s Health Campus Gurranabraher, open 8am to 6pm and available to those aged 10 and older
- Mallow Injury Unit, open 8am to 8pm, and available to those aged five and older
- Bantry Injury Unit, open 8am to 8pm, and available to those aged five and older
In addition, the Irish Life Health expresscare clinic is available to treat minor injuries on the same terms as the HSE injury units. It is open from 10am to 8pm for those aged 12 months and over.
Carole Croke, Hospital Manager, Bantry General Hospital said:
“In a genuine emergency, do not delay and either go to the ED, or dial 999/112. But if you or your child has a minor injury like a sprain, a cut or a burn, you might be seen faster at an Injury Unit. We’re open all weekend here at Bantry and ready to help.”
Water Safety – at home and outdoors
Whether you're at the beach, on a lake, by a river, or in your own garden - water safety is key during the warm weather:
- Always watch children near water – even shallow paddling pools
- Empty buckets and paddling pools after use
- Fence off ponds and farm areas
- Swim only where it’s safe – between red and yellow flags
- Teach children to Stay Away From Edges (S.A.F.E.)
- Never rely on lifeguards to watch your children
The National Ambulance Service (NAS) is also asking members of the public visiting and using amenities - including access gates to sporting grounds and pitches - to park carefully and to allow space for access by the emergency services if needed.
Barry Hayes, Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, NAS South West, commented:
“The June bank holiday weekend is always busy across Cork, with many people making the most of the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful outdoor amenities on our doorstep. We ask the public to remember that in the event of an emergency, ambulances may need to access beaches and other amenity sites. Please make sure that you don’t block that access.”
Last updated on: 30 / 05 / 2025
