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AN urgent appeal has been issued by Hospital Management at UHK for people to contact their GP prior to attending because of extremely busy hospital emergency departments.
Due to a high volume of people presenting at University Hospital Kerry, the hospital is restricting visiting times to 2pm to 4pm, and 6.30pm to 7.30pm to try and prevent the spread of flu.
No visitors will be allowed in patient care areas at any other times. Hospital management is appealing to both adults and children who are experiencing any signs or symptoms of influenza to contact their local health provider (GP/ Southdoc) in the first instance prior to attending the Emergency Department.
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The Emergency Department at University Hospital Kerry is currently extremely busy and in the interest of patient safety, the hospital is reminding the public that they should present at the ED when referred by their local GP.
They say it is also important to note, that it is not too late to get the flu vaccine and it is provided free of charge for people in at-risk groups, which includes everyone aged 65 years and over, pregnant women, anyone over six months of age with a long term illness requiring regular medical follow-up such as chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, diabetes, cancer or those with lower immunity due to disease or treatment.
They say this appeal to contact your GP before presenting at the Emergency Department is made in the overall interest of patient safety.
