University Hospital Kerry is currently facing a significant and escalating surge in winter illnesses, particularly respiratory conditions.

University Hospital Kerry is currently facing a significant and escalating surge in winter illnesses, particularly respiratory conditions. Activity levels are now exceptionally high, driven by multiple compounding factors.

The Emergency Department is experiencing far higher attendances than normal. UHK is appealing to the public: please do not attend the Emergency Department unless you need emergency care. Those with non‑urgent needs are asked to seek support from pharmacists, GPs, SouthDoc, or the Injury Units in Mallow or Bantry to help ensure emergency services remain available for those who need them most.

Damien Moyles, Operations Manager at UHK said:

“We must take care of the sickest people first. Staff at the UHK Emergency Department prioritise patients in terms of clinical need, and at the moment, wait times for non-urgent care may be lengthy. Everyone arriving to the ED is clinically assessed and seen in order of priority, so anyone with non-urgent presentations will be waiting a long time. As always, anyone with an urgent or emergency care need should attend the Emergency Department, but anyone with a less serious condition should review all their other options.”

He added:

“Our team is working incredibly hard at the moment to make sure that those in most need of emergency care receive it as quickly as possible. The public can help the hospital team by considering other trusted health services, such as GPs, SouthDoc, pharmacists, and injury units. As always, people who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised.”