Health services across the north east are under severe pressure due to a significant surge in flu, Covid 19 and other respiratory illnesses, the HSE has warned.
Hospitals in the region, including Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, are experiencing exceptionally high demand. At one point during the past week, up to 12 ambulances were queued outside the hospital, with paramedics waiting between three and four hours to transfer patients for treatment. The situation highlights the scale of pressure currently facing emergency services.
The HSE has confirmed that health services in Louth and Meath have seen a rapid rise in flu and respiratory illness cases and are preparing for further increases in the coming days and weeks. Officials are urging the public to get vaccinated against flu and Covid 19 if they have not already done so, and to avoid attending hospital unless it is an absolute emergency.
Patrick Clerkin, HSE Integrated Health Area Manager for Louth Meath, said the rise in illness is already having a serious impact on hospital and community services. He confirmed that emergency department presentations and hospital admissions linked to flu have doubled in the past week alone.
“When this increase is added to the usual demand placed on the health service, it creates significant pressure for both patients and healthcare staff,” he said. Mr Clerkin encouraged people to consider all available healthcare options if they or a family member become unwell, including pharmacies, GPs and out of hours GP services. He said choosing the right service can help people get treated faster while easing pressure on emergency departments.
He also reminded the public that Dundalk Injury Unit is open every day of the year, excluding Christmas Day, from 9am to 8pm, and can treat a wide range of injuries including breaks, sprains, burns and minor injuries for patients over five years of age.
Dr Deirdre Mulholland, Regional Director of Public Health for HSE Dublin and North East, said more than 3,492 cases of Covid 19, RSV and influenza were notified nationally in the past week, with almost 3,000 of those being influenza. Emergency departments across the country are seeing sharp increases in people presenting with flu, while Covid 19 and RSV cases are also rising.
Dr Mulholland said the trend is expected to continue but stressed that there is still time to get vaccinated ahead of Christmas. She urged all eligible people in the Louth Meath region to get their winter vaccines to protect themselves and others, particularly vulnerable family members and friends.
She also appealed to the public not to visit hospitals, nursing homes or healthcare settings if they are unwell. Anyone with symptoms such as coughs, colds, vomiting or diarrhoea is asked to postpone visits until at least 48 hours after symptoms have cleared.
The HSE is also offering free flu nasal vaccine catch up clinics for children aged two to 17 who missed their flu vaccination. Clinics will take place at the Louth Meath Vaccination Base at St Brigid’s Campus on the Kells Road in Ardee on Saturday 20 December from 10am to 2pm, Monday 22 December from 2pm to 4pm, and Saturday 27 December from 1pm to 4pm.
Members of the public are encouraged to check hse.ie, speak to their GP or pharmacist, or contact HSELive on 1800 700 700 for advice on symptoms, services and vaccination options.
