HSE New Year’s Eve update on Flu and its impact on healthcare services

The number of people in hospital with flu has been increasing rapidly, with 1,017 this morning (Dec 31) compared to 984 yesterday, 869 the previous day (Sunday) and 562 this day last week.

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). Our hospitals are currently extremely busy. Yesterday, emergency departments 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.

Commenting Bernard 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.”

Self-care and taking appropriate advice from Pharmacies, GPs and Community Services are all the first steps and good advice is available on hse.ie, how to keep well this winter. There are additional local supports available.  Similar to last year a significant number of GP practices around the country are offering additional hours outside their normal surgery hours in the morning, evening and at weekends.  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.”

The HSE is also asking people to take care when socialising this New Year’s Eve. Bernard Gloster said “ 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.”

In addition, vaccination for target groups remains available- to see what vaccines are recommended for you: visit hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist.