PATIENTS AT THE nation’s children’s hospitals have been warned of long delays after the breakout of a viral infection.

A joint statement from Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, Temple Street Children’s University Hospital, the National Children’s Hospital and the Tallaght Hospital Children’s Hospital Group detailed how there has been an increase in young children and infants presenting with respiratory infections, in particular a viral infection known as RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).

The hospitals said that the virus has led to higher attendances and an increase in the number of admissions. Medics have estimated that this respiratory virus will remain at its peak for the next three to four weeks.

While this occurs every winter, the increase in presentations to the emergency departments has been more significant this season.

The statement read: “Some babies and children with this virus can become very unwell requiring supportive treatment and prolonged hospital admissions. Based on previous infection control data it is anticipated that this virus will continue to be at peak levels for the next three to four weeks.

The three children’s EDs are open, however patients attending may experience long delays at this time. The hospitals wish to apologise to all patients inconvenienced by this situation, this includes elective patients that we have had to postpone.

Parents have also been urged to avoid bringing very small babies to social occasions where they may pick up an infection. The hospitals recommended that families of children with minor and less urgent complaints are advised “to see their GP/out of hours service first, where possible and appropriate”.

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