Concern voiced over low uptake of flu vaccine


A LEADING consultant in public health medicine in the north west has voiced concern about the low flu vaccine uptake among vulnerable groups. Dr Anthony Breslin is calling on everyone to “play their part” in helping to reduce the circulation of the flu and Covid virus by getting vaccinated. “We would ask everyone to play […]

Almost 40 patients waiting on beds at Letterkenny University Hospital


THERE are almost 40 patients waiting on trolleys at Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) this morning. It comes as hospitals across the country are braced for the peak of RSV, Covid-19 and influenza infections this week and next. According to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation’s  (INMO) trolley watch figures, 39 people are waiting on a […]

Walk-in clinics being held following rise in flu cases


A NUMBER of walk-in clinics for children will be held next week following the rise in flu cases in Donegal. The HSE is holding free nasal flu vaccine walk-in clinics for children aged two to 17 years on December 28 and 29. The number of confirmed influenza cases notified to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has increased in […]

Keep kids with respiratory symptoms at home – GP


A DONGEAL GP is urging parents to keep their children home from school and childcare facilities if they are displaying respiratory symptoms as the significant rise in infections is having a severe impact on the health service. Dr Denis McCauley, GP committee chairman with the Irish Medical Organisation, has echoed the plea of the Chief […]

Health services are dealing with the worst flu in 20 years


A RAPHOE pharmacist says health services are dealing with the worst case of flu in 20 years and has warned the system is broken because of the Department’s failure to plan. Margaret O’Doherty of Raphoe Pharmacy said such is the enormity of the situation that in December alone her branch dealt with four to five times more antibiotics than last […]

Concern as Covid-19 cases rise in hospitals


A concerning increase in Covid-19 cases have been detected in community hospitals and nursing homes in Donegal over the past number of weeks. While immunisation levels across the sector are among the highest in the State, Dr Anthony Breslin, Public Health Specialist for Donegal, confirmed that the outbreaks have led to hospital admissions. He added […]

‘Flu outbreak strikes as third Covid-19 jab rolls out


HUNDREDS of vulnerable people have now received their third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine through vaccination centres, hospitals, care settings and GPs in Donegal. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (Niac) has recommended additional vaccines be given to those with serious immune system issues aged over 12, to the over-80s and to anyone over 65 in […]