Rising rates of Covid and flu will put 'significant pressure' on hospitals, group warns 

Rising rates of Covid and flu will put “significant pressure” on hospitals and residential care facilities in the short term, the acting CEO of the South/South West Hospital Group (SSWHG) has said.

Dr Ger O’Callaghan was commenting as the hospital group said it is seeing an increase in people with respiratory illnesses attending Emergency Departments (EDs).

In a statement on Friday, the group said while its system is currently “responding well”, members of the public have been asked to present at hospital EDs “only for major health emergencies and to use all other options in non-emergency situations”.

“Rates of Covid and flu are rising now and over the next few weeks, which will put significant pressure on hospitals and residential care facilities in the short term,” Dr Ger O’Callaghan said.

“Our Emergency Departments are expected to encounter significant pressures as a result and we know from experience that a delayed peak in flu season such as we are seeing now, will inevitably lead to further pressures throughout the healthcare system with heightened risk of outbreaks in all facilities and delays in discharging patients to nursing homes or step down facilities if they have flu or Covid.” 

Dr O'Callaghan asked people to take every precaution amid the rise in infections. 

“There is no room for complacency and I urge people to follow public health advice - stay at home if you have symptoms and get vaccinated - before we reach the peak of flu season in the very near future.

“Vaccination remains the best way to reduce the incidence or these respiratory illnesses. 

“The HSE is urging every eligible person to get vaccinated against flu and Covid as soon as possible. 

“People with long-term health conditions, healthcare workers (HCWs) and children aged 2-17 can avail of free vaccination. 

“See HSE.ie for more information on Covid and flu vaccination and to find where to get your vaccines."

Options for non-emergency situations over the Bank Holiday include a local pharmacist, SouthDoc and injury units in Cork city, Bantry and Mallow. 

“We want to protect the most vulnerable from Covid-19, influenza and respiratory infections," chief officer of Cork Kerry Community Healthcare (CKCH), Tess O’Donovan, said.

“Our hospitals are under pressure with a significant rise in the number of attendances at local Emergency Departments, however they are coping.

“In the community we want to protect those most vulnerable from respiratory infections in our nursing homes and residential care facilities. 

“It’s never too late to avail of a Covid-19 and flu vaccination while you can from your GP or local pharmacy. 

“Vaccination remains our best way to reduce rates of infection. 

“If you are unwell please try to consider the alternative options such as your local injury unit or contact SouthDoc on 0818 355 999," she added.