An outbreak of influenza in University Hospital Kerry is causing increased pressure on staff in the emergency department and an appeal has been issued to the public to attend for assessment only if absolutely necessary.
The hospital is currently experiencing an exceptionally high volume of presentations – both adults and children – to its emergency department and management said there is intense pressure on capacity.
There is also a chronic shortage of beds for people who require admission with the outbreak of ‘flu on one ward creating further challenges.
Increased infection control measures are in place and the situation is being monitored on a daily basis to ensure all patients receive the highest standards of care.
“Our absolute focus and priority is to ensure patient safety throughout the hospital. In that context, University Hospital Kerry is kindly appealing to the public to only attend in the event of an emergency,” a statement from the hospital read.
Management has also requested that, where appropriate, the public contact their local pharmacy, GP or the out-of-hours medical service SouthDoc in the first instance and explore all other options available to them prior to presenting to the emergency department.
Those that with an emergency have been advised to anticipate lengthy delays and hospital visiting is restricted to three visits per patient per week and those on compassionate grounds only.
Meanwhile, it has also been confirmed that, up to yesterday, there had been 12 cases of respiratory syncytical virus (RSV) – a serious chest condition contracted by young children – in Kerry.
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