HSE in Leitrim preparing for significant increases in flu and respiratory illness

Health services in Sligo and Leitrim are preparing for further significant increases in influenza and respiratory illness in the coming days and weeks, it has been confirmed.

The impact of flu circulating in the community has a direct impact on the capacity of health services, both in hospitals and in primary and community care settings.

HSE Health Manager for Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal and West Cavan, John Fitzmaurice is concerned about rising cases of respiratory illness in the community which will put local health services under significant strain over the Christmas period.

 John said, “In the last week, over 600 people nationally were hospitalised due to COVID, flu and RSV. When this is added to the usual demand placed on the health service, it brings significant pressure on the public and healthcare staff.

 “We are asking our local communities across Sligo and Leitrim to please consider all healthcare options if you or your family become unwell. Depending on your illness, there are a number of treatment options open to you including out-of-hours GP and pharmacies. Being prepared and knowing where to go will mean that you will get treated more quickly and will ease pressures on the healthcare system.”

 “As always, people who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend the Emergency Department where they will be prioritised. Patients who attend the ED for routine and non-urgent treatment may experience long waiting times as we treat our sickest patients first. I also want to remind the public that Roscommon Injury Unit is open every day of the year, including Christmas Day and can treat a wide range of breaks, sprains burns and minor injuries.”

 Dr Áine Mc Namara, HSE West North West Director of Public Health said: “A combined total of almost 2,000 cases of COVID-19, RSV and influenza have been notified nationally in the past week. Over the same week, Emergency Departments across the country have experienced significant increases in people presenting to ED with COVID-19, Influenza and RSV.

“We expect this trend to continue, however there is still time to get a vaccine. Every eligible person across the Sligo Leitrim region should get their winter vaccines ahead of Christmas to protect themselves, and their family and friends from the worst impacts of flu and COVID-19.

 Dr Mc Namara concluded: “It is really important that we protect vulnerable people from the risk of infection so please do not visit a family member in a hospital, nursing home or any healthcare setting if you are unwell. I know it’s difficult at this time of year as we all want to visit our loved ones, but if you have any symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea, coughs or colds I would urge you to postpone your visit until 48 hours after the symptoms have cleared.”

Be prepared - Know where to go 

• Check the HSE website for useful advice on common illnesses such as colds, coughs, flu, earache and sore throats
• Visit your local pharmacy for expert advice
• Contact your family doctor as necessary.
• The GP out-of-hours service is a high-quality clinical service for urgent care. You must make an appointment in advance.
• NoWDOC GP Out of Hours Service which covers Donegal and South Leitrim and can be contacted on 0818 400 911
• CareDoc Out of Hours Service covers Sligo can be contacted on 0818 365 399
• Emergency Departments treat seriously ill patients. Those with less severe injuries and symptoms may have to wait to be seen in emergency departments.
• Roscommon Injury Unit is open every day over Christmas from 8am to 8pm and treats patients over 5 years old. Call 090 662 6972

Get Vaccinated

• To see what vaccines are recommended for you: visit hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist.

Keep well this winter

Further HSE advice and information available here on how to keep well this winter.

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