Flu strikes Mid-West
The early arrival of influenza this winter has impacted Nenagh hospital with the imposition of visitor restrictions in the lead-up to Christmas.
The latest data available from HSE Mid-West shows that there were 248 flu cases and 104 hospitalised cases across the region in the week between December 7 and 13. By comparison, there were 179 flu cases and 82 hospitalised cases in the week before that and, in the previous week, 123 flu cases and 51 hospitalised cases.
Last week the HSE announced visitor restrictions in Nenagh, together University Hospital Limerick, Ennis, St John’s and Croom Orthopaedic hospitals due to the increasing numbers of patients and presentations with flu and other respiratory conditions. Only one visitor per person will now be admitted, and only during hospital visiting times: 2pm-4pm and 6pm-9pm for all five hospitals.
Visitors are asked to wear a face mask, and these are available at the reception areas of the hospitals. People are asked not visit the hospitals if they have any symptoms of cold, flu, Covid-19 or any viral illness.
“We regret the impact of these restrictions on patients and their loved ones, but the decision is necessary to ensure the safe running of the hospitals,” a spokesperson for HSE Mid-West stated.
“HSE Mid-West is encouraging everyone in the region to avail of the flu vaccine in order to minimise the risk of serious illness and hospitalisations this winter.”
‘HUGE DEMAND’ AT EMERGENCY DEPT
Ireland is experiencing a surge in flu cases – driven mainly by a mutated A(H3N2) virus – and this is adding to pressures on emergency departments. The ED in Limerick is experiencing “huge demand for its services”, with the HSE reporting upwards of 350 people attending in one 24-hour period at the start of this month.
The Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation said there were 76 patients on trolleys in the hospital last Friday, an increase of 20 on the previous day.
“With approximately half these patients arriving to ED without GP referral, we’re urging people to first use the available alternatives where possible,” HSE Mid-West stated, listing pharmacies and family doctors, as well as walk-in injury units and GP-referral medical assessment units in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s hospital for non-life-threatening conditions and injuries, and the Shannondoc out-of-hours service.
“The emergency department is for patients with life-threatening emergencies. Anyone with less urgent illnesses is going to experience a long wait, perhaps unnecessarily, and should follow the advice above where possible,” HSE Mid-West stated.
“At this time of exceptionally high demand for hospital services, we ask the public to continue supporting us, to ensure emergency care is prioritised for the sickest, most seriously injured and frailest patients.”