The HSE has warned that high levels of flu are continuing to circulate in the community and Letterkenny University Hospital. They are reminding anyone with flu like symptoms not to visit the hospital.
Today, the hospital is treating 28 patients with flu and is managing an outbreak in one ward.
The HSE is asking the public to please help to control the spread of flu within our communities and our health services by co-operating with visiting restrictions and infection control measures which have been introduced.
“Symptoms of flu include a high temperature, aches and pains, headache, sore throat or cough. If you have any of these symptoms, please do not visit a loved one in the hospital.
“You must postpone your visit until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have cleared, this will reduce the risk of spreading infection to vulnerable patients and healthcare staff,” the statement said.
Visiting restrictions have been introduced at Letterkenny University Hospital, they include:
- No persons should visit the hospital if they are symptomatic with respiratory illnesses and until after 48 hours post symptoms.
- A maximum of 2 visitors per patient which will be strictly enforced unless there is a pre-approved exception to this granted on compassionate grounds.
- No children should visit the hospital, with the exception of the maternity ward where children may only visit with prior approval from the ward, granted under compassionate grounds.
“Everyone coming to the hospital should be extra vigilant. Strict Hand Hygiene measures will be in place and visitors will be encouraged to wash their hands and use hand gel regularly.
“Face masks are widely available at all entrances across the hospital. We encourage mask wearing throughout the hospital and particularly on wards where there are flu outbreaks or where patients with flu are in-patients,” the spokesperson said.
“We regret the impact these restrictions will have on patients and their families, especially at this time of year but we need to do everything we can to control the spread of infection. Where a ward is managing a flu outbreak, visiting will be limited to compassionate grounds only,” the statement concluded.
These restrictions are temporary however are subject to change based on daily activity levels so please check HSE.ie for information about visiting in your local hospital.
