MERCY UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL in Cork has been forced to put visiting restrictions in place due to an outbreak of the flu virus.

In a statement this afternoon, a hospital spokesperson said that “due to a high incidence of admissions through the emergency department of people suffering from influenza Mercy University”, they had to impose new rules.

As of now, visiting is restricted to all areas of the hospital except if visiting children or those who are critically ill. Only parents or grandparents are authorised to visit children at the hospital.

The spokesman added: “People with flu-like symptoms are advised to telephone or visit their GPs, in the first instance, rather than presenting at the hospital’s emergency department.

The hospital has appealed to members of the public to only visit the hospital if it is absolutely necessary and not to visit if they have had flu-like symptoms in the previous four days.

Earlier this year, the hospital asked patients to stay away from its emergency department because it was too busy.

A spokesperson for Mercy University Hospital said in November that the hospital was dealing with a “surge in patients” at its emergency department and that people who needed less urgent treatment should seek care elsewhere.

“Patients with less urgent complaints are advised to contact their GPs or South Doc, in the first instance, or avail of services at the Mercy Urgent Care Centre,” the spokesperson said.

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