Visiting restrictions have been put in place at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) following confirmation of a number of cases of flu.
As of 2pm this afternoon, there were seven confirmed positive cases of flu at UHL with a number of other patients symptomatic.
As flu can be carried in to the hospital by patients or visitors, a spokeswoman for the UL Hospitals Group said it is necessary with immediate effect to restrict visitors to one person per patient only.
“We also wish to remind members of the public that visiting hours are from 2 to 4pm and from 6 to 9pm only and are to be strictly adhered to. Children should not be brought on visits anywhere in the hospital. Parents visiting children are unaffected by the restrictions but are advised not to bring siblings.
“All infection control measures are in place and every effort is being made to manage and contain the spread of the flu. Patients are being isolated as appropriate.
“People with flu like symptoms are advised to contact their GP by phone in the first instance and avoid presenting at the emergency department at UHL.
“UHL has been experiencing a high number of patients attending the emergency department in recent days. We have admitted a lot of seriously ill patients recently, many of who remain in the emergency department awaiting a bed.
“We are asking people to think about all their care and treatment options and keep emergency department services for the patients who need them most. For example, many patients with limb injuries can go to an Injury Unit in Ennis, Nenagh or St John’s Hospital. Others with a less serious illness can be treated by their GP who can refer them to an Assessment Unit the following day if required.
“However, if you are seriously injured or ill or are worried your life is at risk the ED will assess and treat you as a priority.
See practical advice on how to mind yourself when you’re sick here
