UCC changes to appointment only

–  All visits are same day appointment service for the Urgent Care Centre from February 22nd 2023

– A walk-in facility is no longer available

– CHI aim to see the right patient with the right care in the right place at the right time

Children’s Health Ireland walk-in Urgent Care Centre providing quick access care for children with minor injuries and minor illnesses has changed to a same day  appointment service. This change aims to support children and families through ensuring the right patients receive the right care in the right place and at the right time.

Since opening in 2019, CHI at Connolly Children’s Outpatient department (OPD) and Urgent Care Centre has offered children, young people and their families convenient, quality care as close to home as is clinically appropriate, for those living around Dublin 15, North Dublin, Co Kildare and Co Meath.

CHI at Connolly provided 10,044 OPD patients and 24,127 walk-in’s services in 2022. There are frequently recorded daily numbers of 120-130 walk-in attendees to the Urgent Care Centre. These attendees are seen without an appointment. This has resulted in overcrowding and long waiting times which is unmanageable for both families and staff. It also puts pressure on patient safety.

A digital swift queue appointment booking process will be available on the CHI at Connolly website for families to access and make an appointment in advance for their child who requires minor injury or minor illness care. CHI at Connolly urgent care service treats children with minor injuries such as fractures, sprains, minor burns, small cuts and illnesses such as vomiting, diarrhoea and mild asthma. Appointments can be made at short notice depending on availability on the day.

Dr Ike Okafor, Paediatric Executive Lead and Clinical Director of CHI at Connolly stated:

“We acknowledge this is a change for families but our aim is to see the right patient with the right care in the right place at the right time. This will facilitate a better patient experience by scheduling appointment times over the course of each day and help reduce the risk of inappropriate clinical attendances better suited to either a local primary care setting or the nearest children’s Emergency Department”.

CHI continue to offer healthcare access for thousands of children at CHI at Connolly in Blanchardstown and a same day appointment  service will support families with a timely service and allow staff to manage minor injuries and minor illnesses in a safe environment.

Assistant Director of Nursing Anne Marie Dowling and current Manager, CHI at Connolly added:

“Since opening in 2019 the feedback from our patients and their families has been overwhelmingly positive. The modern bright child-friendly design of the building has improved the experience for everyone who attends. Our appointment only system will support everyone in providing care in the most efficient and safe manner.

More information about children’s services at CHI at Connolly can be found at www.childrenshealthireland.ie/connolly

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