Flu Cases and Hospital Pressures Continue in Ireland

Teh number of people in hospitals with the flu remains high at 692, but has dropped from last week’s peak of 815. Despite this decrease, visiting restrictions continue in many hospitals, including some maternity sites.

Flu Statistics and Vaccination Efforts

Some 3,548 new cases were recorded last week, and 1,806 people went to hospital emergency departments with the flu. While the number of emergency department visits is still high, it has decreased from 1,893 the week prior.

HSE chief clinical officer Dr. Colm Henry cautioned that cases could rise again as people socialise more over the holidays.He emphasized the importance of vaccination, particularly among at-risk groups.”There is still time to get your flu vaccine, and I would encourage all those eligible to avail of it.The best time to get vaccinated is now,” Dr.henry said on Monday.

Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill supported this, stating, “This is a bad flu, and I would encourage anybody that can get vaccinated please do get vaccinated.” She noted that vaccine uptake is higher this year and is having a positive effect on case numbers.

Hospitals are currently “managing vrey well,” but the flu season is not yet over. Minister MacNeill added that January could possibly see another wave of infections.

Staffing Concerns and Hospital Responses

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has called for better staffing to support hospitals during this period of increased demand.

Minister MacNeill acknowledged staffing gaps, stating, “There are a lot of vacancies that have been funded by the Government that haven’t been recruited to, and too many agency staff that haven’t been converted or given encouragement to move over to full-time staffing.”

Several hospitals, including Cork University Hospital, University Hospital Kerry, and Bantry Hospital, continue to limit visitor numbers due to the flu. Clonmel Hospital had 20 patients on trolleys on monday morning,and visiting hours are now restricted to 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM,with a limit of two visitors per patient.

Maternity Hospital Restrictions

At Cork University Maternity Hospital, visiting is limited to between 7 AM and 11 PM, restricted to the woman’s partner or nominated support person. Children are currently not allowed in clinical areas due to high flu rates among children under five and unvaccinated children. The hospital allows arrangements for mothers facing long stays to meet family away from the ward.

concerns for Postnatal Care

Krysia Lynch, a maternity care advocate, raised concerns for women who have had a caesarean section and require support in the hospital. “In the run-up to Christmas, our already high caesarean section and induction rates become even higher,” she said.

“The post-natal wards are absolutely packed. That means the ratio of babies and women to midwives is going to be at its poorest, because we have our wards absolutely packed.”

Lynch called for increased funding and investment in maternity services,including better access to community care post-natally,to mitigate these risks for next winter. She also highlighted the importance of family support, stating, “Many women would like to see their mother or their sister or their friend [in hospital], someone who brings a different perspective to them, especially if they’re having their first baby.”

Published: 2025/12/22 21:08:14