The HSE has called on people to avoid New Year’s parties if they are unwell, as the number of flu hospitalisations jump in just 24 hours.
The number of people in hospital with flu has been increasing rapidly, with 1,017 this morning compared to 984 yesterday, 869 the previous day (Sunday) and 562 this day last week.
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.
Yesterday, emergency departments nationally saw a total of 5,150 patients, with 1,200 of those admitted for various cases and emergencies, including individuals suffering from winter respiratory viruses, mainly flu.
Sligo University Hospital is dealing with several 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.
GP out-of-hours services, GP surgeries, ambulance services, hospital emergency departments (EDs), and inpatient services are all feeling the effects of respiratory illnesses, primarily influenza (flu).
CEO of the HSE Bernard Gloster urged people to be careful about illness and personal safety this New Year’s Eve: “ this is a joyous time for many but we encourage people to take care. Road safety, food safety, fire safety, mental wellbeing are all issues people need to consider and when these are not attended to the consequences can be significant. Additionally this year we would ask if you are in any way Flu symptomatic please protect yourself and others by restricting your contacts and please do not visit people in hospital or care settings.”
Mr Gloster said: “Yesterday was the second highest day of ED attendance over the Christmas period. We now have 1,017 people in hospital with flu. This morning we had 322 people admitted and waiting on trolleys and they were being cared for in both hospital wards and in our EDs. All our staff and systems are responding and managing very well and even though we have improved on recent years, there is no doubt that the system is under pressure. Our hospitals are operating infection prevention control measures and we ask everyone to help and co-operate, including with any visitor restrictions that may be in place. We know that can be difficult for families and loved ones, especially at this time of year, but we must protect our patients and prevent the spread of infections in hospitals and other healthcare settings.”
Mr Gloster added: “The number of people using the GP out-of-hours service has increased by over 45% in some areas, compared to the same period last year and we would urge people who are feeling unwell to contact their GP.”
