Threat of swine flu

MORE than 20 patients remained on trolleys at Cork’s three emergency departments yesterday, however a number of swine flu cases could see this figure rise again over the coming days.

At Cork University Hospital (CUH), there were nine patients on trolleys at lunchtime yesterday.

Clinical director at CUH Professor Richard Greene said CUH is experiencing an increase in the numbers of people presenting at its emergency department due to factors including an increase in the number of elderly unwell patients and an increase in flu and respiratory illness, but that the figures decreased significantly as inpatients are discharged and new patients are admitted.

At the Mercy University Hospital, nine patients were on trolleys by late afternoon. Two cases of swine flu were confirmed at the hospital.

In the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH) there were four patients on trolleys yesterday morning. According to a spokesperson for the SIVUH, one suspect and one confirmed case of swine flu had been admitted to the hospital.