BY JEROME HUGHES
DONEGAL residents are being urged to get a flu vaccine and Covid booster jab amid a spike in respiratory illnesses, a problem that is forecast to intensify throughout January.
29 patients were unable to obtain a bed at Letterkenny University Hospital yesterday morning, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).
Data published by the HSE reveals that 4 patients were waiting more than 24 hours for a bed at Letterkenny hospital yesterday, while 15 patients that were ready to leave LUH were still occupying a bed.
Doctors acknowledge there is significant ‘vaccine fatigue’ but they’re encouraging us to take the step.
“Influenza cases are definitely rising. The prevention of illness through vaccination is important. The significance of that was highlighted so much at the peak of Covid.
“We know that our health services, working with a very thorough vaccination programme, saved Ireland from a complete catastrophe,” according to Dr. Denis McCauley, a GP in Stranorlar.
Those caring for or living with vulnerable people are especially encouraged to visit their GP for a vaccine.
“People sometimes forget about the exponential rise of death rates at the beginning of December 2020 and how dangerously the situation was evolving until we were able to get the Covid vaccine.
“We all subliminally know how important it is. Unfortunately, we now have vaccine fatigue,” said Dr. McCauley.
Health experts insist that getting the flu and Covid booster jabs helps to prevent us from getting very sick which in turn alleviates hospital workloads.
“The flu vaccine for children is also a very good idea. It hasn’t really taken hold in Ireland yet but hopefully it will in the years to come,” expressed Dr. McCauley.
The Stranorlar GP stops short of endorsing mandatory vaccination for health service workers.
“No, it shouldn’t be compulsory. We should always inform, debate and ultimately it should then be an individual choice. Health decisions should always be a personal matter.”
Last year, Letterkenny University Hospital admitted a total of 5,448 individuals who experienced bed delays – an improvement from the previous year, though the INMO, which gathered the data, argues the figure remains unacceptably high.
“Our members are working in hospitals that are almost in a constant state of overcrowding. There is an increased demand for services due to a growing and ageing population.
“While services have expanded, which is to be welcomed, staffing levels are not matching increased demand on service provision,” said
INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha.
INMO representatives say they met with HSE and Department of Health officials on two occasions prior to Christmas.
Recognising the anticipated surge in flu, Covid, and RSV infections in January, they called for an exemption for critical front-line staff from the current hospital recruitment freeze.
“The HSE’s focus for 2024 must be to make the provision of healthcare safer for those who work in our public health system and for the patients they serve,” said Ms. Ní Sheaghdha.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)