Hospitals and nursing homes in the northwest are under increased pressure with high levels of flu and RSV this Christmas.
Nearly 900 people are in hospitals across the country being treated for flu, 300 more than just a week ago.
All hospitals in the west and north west region have reported additional pressure on emergency departments due to high attendances and high admissions over the past number of days.
Update: Sligo University Hospital will be restricting visiting to wards affected by Influenza. Visiting to the affected wards is limited to compassionate grounds only and these visits should be arranged in advance with the nurse manager on the ward.
Hospital visiting times will continue between 6.30pm and 8.30pm. However, people are asked to please adhere to the strict limit of two visitors per patient permitted to visit. Visitors are requested to comply with the visiting restrictions and cooperate with hospital staff who are ensuring the restrictions are adhered to.
The HSE is asking the public to protect themselves and those most vulnerable this week as flu cases continue to rise in the community.
Dr Aine McNamara, Regional Director of Public Health, HSE West and North West said: “We are seeing high levels of flu and RSV circulating in our communities and this is having a significant impact on our hospitals and nursing homes. We are urging the public to stay at home if they have flu like symptoms. There are a number of care options available to people who need support via their local pharmacy, GP, GP Out of Hours, and injury units for non-life-threatening conditions such as fractures and burns.”
Those attending hospital are asked to continue practising infection prevention measures such as handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes. Visiting restrictions are also in place in wards impacted by flu and RSV and we are asking the public to please cooperate with our staff where hospital visiting restrictions are in place.
The HSE urges anyone with breathing difficulties or chest pain to attend the emergency department for treatment or call 112/999 in an emergency, and patients with non-life-threatening conditions should seek healthcare in the community.
Additional Daytime GP expanded clinics are available from some practices and patients should check if their GP is participating in this arrangement.
People should also check the HSE website for useful advice on common illnesses such as colds, coughs, flu, earache and sore throats and keeping well.
Vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing infection by seasonal influenza viruses and can reduce severe disease that can lead to hospitalisation and death. Visit hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist to get a vaccine.
