THE HSE in Limerick is putting a strategy in place for what it predicts will be a massive wave of flus and respiratory illness in the coming days and weeks.
The emergency department (ED) at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) is reporting up to 300 people coming for treatment on some days already and patients are being advised to consider what options there when considering treatment if they feel ill or have an accident.
Maria Bridgeman, integrated healthcare area manager at HSE Mid West, said that “high levels of respiratory viruses are currently circulating in the Mid West, including influenza, RSV, and Covid-19. The emergency department at UHL is also under increasing pressure, with attendances up by over eight per cent so far this year and by over 11 per cent for patients aged 75 or over.”
“Across our acute and community healthcare settings, we are managing a number of outbreaks of respiratory illness and this impacts the availability of beds as impacted wards are closed to admission of new patients.”
Ms Bridgeman added: “In view of this, it is important that we do all we can to try to prevent the spread of respiratory illness in healthcare settings like hospitals, including maternity units, nursing homes or residential care facilities.”
“This means getting vaccinated and avoiding visiting healthcare settings if we have respiratory symptoms. This will help protect those who may be more vulnerable to the effects of these infections and avoid impact on services at a very busy time of year.”
The HSE are particularly concerned about influenza at this time of the year.
Commenting on the national picture, HSE CEO Bernard Gloster 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.”
Vaccination for target groups remains available. To see what vaccines are recommended, visit hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700, or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist.
Anyone with symptoms which don’t improve over time, or if they worsen, should call a GP.
Shannondoc will provide urgent out-of-hours GP care over the holiday season and can be contacted on 0818 123 500 and on 061 459 500.
Limerick Doc (Limerick City only) can be contacted on 087 755 1570. The service is by appointment only.
Injury units can treat many of the injuries people usually go to the emergency department for. For example, broken bones, dislocations, and minor burns.
Treatment such as x-rays, plaster casts, and wound care are also provided injury units, which are are open at St John’s Hospital, Ennis Hospital, and Nenagh Hospital from 8am to 8pm 365 days a year.
Appointments are not needed for injury units and there is no charge for full medical card holders or those with a GP referral letter. Otherwise it costs €75 to attend an injury unit.
EDs deal with life-threatening emergencies, including patients with breathlessness, feeling unwell and getting sicker very quickly.
Other examples include when someone is not feeling well and has become confused and agitated; is very pale with cold hands and feet; is dizzy when they sit up or unable to stand; or has developed a rash that does not disappear when pressed down.
The ED at University Hospital Limerick operates 24/7.
