Visiting ban in Tipperary University Hospital due to flu outbreak

Flu figures across the country remain high, with 2,049 cases recorded in the week to last Saturday.

A visiting ban remains in place at Tipperary University Hospital in Clonmel due to a large outbreak of the flu.

The HSE has said the ban is in place until further notice.

Restrictions had already been put in place in the days prior to Christmas. 

The move is to protect vulnerable patients and limit the spread of infection with high numbers of flu cases and respiratory illnesses.

Visitors will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances by prior arrangement or on compassionate grounds for patients who are critically ill or at the end of life.

Hospital management has apologised for any inconvenience.

Flu figures across the country remain high, with 2,049 cases recorded in the week to last Saturday.

It compares with 1,777 cases the previous week, while the week leading up to Christmas had the highest number of cases at 3,547 so far.

More than 600 patients with respiratory illnesses in hospitals

HSE chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry said 632 patients are sick with respiratory illnesses in hospitals nationwide.

Mr Henry added that many more people are presenting to GPs and medical out-of-hours services and that the impact of respiratory illnesses has been significant, including on hospital emergency departments.

He explained the HSE modelling had predicted a peak around Christmas, and that had happened, but it did not translate into as many hospital admissions as had been feared.

The health system is still seeing considerable pressure, and Mr Henry said he expected to see ongoing transmission of the flu in the coming weeks ahead.

The HSE has also urged caution with the latest figures, as the data is affected by the Christmas and New Year holiday period and reporting, testing and other changes in health services.

Hospitals in Cork and Kerry face 'unprecedented demand'

Last week, it was reported that hospitals in Cork and Kerry face “unprecedented demand” due to the weather and flu outbreaks.

The situation, with almost 130 people in trolleys in the two counties on Wednesday, led to the HSE asking people to consider other care options if suitable.

HSE data showed large numbers of people being treated on surge beds, which are beds usually used for daycare and pressed into use when hospitals are busy.

Priscilla Lynch, HSE manager for Cork South and West, urged people with injuries to consider the injury units in Bantry, Mallow, or Gurranabraher instead.

Staff want to “keep emergency care available for those who need it most”, she said.