A NUMBER OF hospitals across the country have introduced visitor restrictions due to the high number of patients with the flu. 

The HSE has warned that Ireland is facing an early and difficult winter season, with some 1,977 cases reported last week, up from 907 the week before.

Presentations to emergency departments have also risen sharply, with the Minister for Health stating last week that over 500 people are currently in hospital with flu.

As a result, some hospitals have placed restrictions on the number of visitors in order to reduce the spread of the virus. 

Dublin

The Rotunda Hospital in Dublin has said that in-patients are allowed one designated, named visitor for the duration of their stay, with no rotating of visitors allowed and no children permitted to visit in-patient areas.

“All visitors are advised to wear a surgical face mask prevent the spread of infection,” it added. 

The Rotunda has also urged visitors who are unwell with flu-like symptoms not to attend the hospital “due to the high prevalence” of flu. 

The hospital strongly urged pregnant women and their partners to get the flu vaccine.

South East

Wexford General Hospital is permitting one visitor per patient during visiting times and all visitors are asked to wear surgical masks, which will be provided at the hospital.

The hospital said visiting times “will be strictly enforced”. It added visiting on compassionate grounds and in particular circumstances to support patients can be arranged directly through the nurse in charge on the respective ward.

From today, Tipperary University Hospital is closed to visitors on infection and control advice. 

The hospital said the number of patients presenting with flu and respiratory symptoms have increased, while it also has patients with Norovirus. 

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It said visiting is only permitted in exceptional circumstances by arrangement with the clinical nurse manager there. Visiting on compassionate grounds will be facilitated by the clinical nurse manager on the ward for both critically ill and end of life patients. 

While the hospital has not introduced broader visitor restrictions, St Luke’s General Hospital Carlow Kilkenny has appealed to anyone with flu symptoms “not to visit the hospital” due to the increase in cases there.

South West

HSE South West have said that visitor restrictions are in place in all of its acute hospitals in Cork and Kerry. These are Cork University Hospital, University Hospital Kerry, Bantry General Hospital and Mallow General Hospital.

Only one visitor per patient is permitted during visiting times only, while all visitors must also wear surgical masks. 

“Unfortunately, flu rates in the community continue to increase and we are taking these measures within our hospitals to keep patients safe,” HSE South West regional director of public health Dr Anne Sheahan said. 

She urged those eligible for a free flu vaccine to get it “as soon as possible”.