HSE preparing for significant increases in influenza and respiratory illness

The HSE is preparing for further significant increases in influenza and respiratory illness in the coming days and weeks. The impact of flu circulating in the community has a direct impact on the capacity of health services, both in hospitals and in primary and community care settings.

At mid-December, our surveillance demonstrates a doubling of Influenza and RSV cases over one week. We expect this trend in influenza to continue its upward trajectory until the end of the month. A combined total of almost 2,000 cases of COVID-19, RSV and influenza have been notified in the past week. Over the same week, Emergency Departments have experienced significant increases in people presenting to ED with COVID-19, Influenza and RSV.

Commenting on the pressures resulting from this Bernard Gloster HSE CEO said; “In the last week, we have had over 600 people hospitalised due to COVID, flu and RSV. When this is added to the usual demand placed on the health service, it brings significant pressure on the public and healthcare staff. Both older people and the young are most likely to experience the most severe impact of these respiratory illnesses followed by those with underlying conditions.”

Covid-19 has been relatively stable, and RSV in older children is clearly significant. The good news is that the number of cases of RSV among infants (less than 3 months) has sharply decreased since the HSE began a vaccination programme for newborns. Only 24 babies were hospitalised with RSV since the vaccination programme started, a significant fall from the 413 cases in the same period last year- this is a reminder of the importance of progressive vaccination programmes.’’

The HSE are particularly concerned about Influenza at this time. Commenting further the CEO said; “We expect the week of Christmas and the New Year to see flu cases to be at their highest so far this season, and modelling shows hospitalisations from flu alone to be in the region of 600-900. When all other factors are taken into consideration, people can expect to see all access points to healthcare under pressure over the next few weeks.”

The HSE has a system wide focus on the key aspects of patient flow and this is now in operation at national and regional levels on a seven day week basis. Specific actions will be pursued at the four key stages of the patient journey;

• ED Avoidance
• ED Processes
• In Hospital Processes
• Timely Discharge

Despite our best efforts, some of us undoubtedly will become ill over Christmas. There are a number of treatment options open to you depending on your illness – being prepared and knowing where to go will mean that you will get treated more quickly and will ease pressures on the healthcare system.
We anticipate the Christmas season to be busier than ever, and this higher demand from patients will create delays getting through to the service at peak times or in waiting for a call back from a triage nurse, and again longer waiting times for an appointment. Where preparations can be made in advance, we advise patients and families to do so. 

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.

Additional Daytime GP expanded clinics will be available from Dec 27th and you should check if your GP is participating in this arrangement. Additional supports for GP OOH services are also being provided.

Concluding, the CEO said “We know that our Emergency Departments will be where people will experience the most delay and pressures. We absolutely want people with an emergency to come to the hospitals and have the service they need. We also have to impress on people that for mild illness or non-urgent conditions there are significant other options available.’’