Easing Pressure on Emergency Services: Adopting the Right Practices During the Winter Period

In order to ease the pressure on hospital emergency departments, which are under considerable strain during the winter period due to seasonal illnesses, the Health Directorate encourages the public to adopt appropriate practices when seeking medical care.

Patients whose health condition does not require urgent intervention are encouraged to consult their general practitioner, paediatrician, or to attend a Medical Centre as a priority. This approach ensures appropriate care while helping to reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments.

The Medical Centres are located at the following addresses:

• Maison Médicale Luxembourg-Ville: 23, Val Fleuri, L-1526 Luxembourg
• Maison Médicale Belval: 3-5, avenue du Swing, L-4367 Belvaux
• Maison Médicale Ettelbruck: 110, avenue Lucien Salentiny, L-9080 Ettelbruck
• Maison Médicale Pédiatrique (CHL – KannerKlinik): 4, rue Ernest Barblé, L-1210 Luxembourg

Medical Centres are open on weekdays from 8.00 pm to midnight, and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 8.00 am to midnight.

The Paediatric Medical Centre is open on weekdays from 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm, and on weekends and public holidays from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm.

By first turning to general practitioners, paediatricians and Medical Centres for routine care, everyone contributes to a more efficient use of healthcare resources and enables emergency services to focus on situations requiring immediate attention.

Health recommendations to limit the spread of winter infections

Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect against respiratory infections. It is essential to ensure that vaccinations are up to date and to consult one’s general practitioner to discuss this.

In addition, the following preventive measures should be observed to limit the spread of viruses:

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water.
• Ventilate rooms daily, even in cold weather.
• Avoid close contact with vulnerable individuals if symptoms are present.
• Wear a mask in the event of coughing, fever, or when visiting healthcare facilities.

Cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Press release by the Ministry of Health and Social Security