Swine flu - kids' admissions cancelled

[Posted: Wed 21/10/2009 www.irishhealth.com]

Non-emergency admissions to two of Dublin's three children's hospitals - Temple Street and Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, have been curtailed due to an upsurge in swine flu.

The hospitals said admissions are being reviewed on an ongoing basis.

According to medical sources at the hospitals, the expected winter surge in swine flu cases may now be starting.

It is understood that many non-urgent elective admissions to the hospitals are now being cancelled.

It is also understood that recently there have been a small number of severe cases of swine flu in children requiring intensive care admission.

“We are dedicated to delivering only the very highest standard of healthcare possible and every effort will be made to prioritise patients on the basis of clinical need. Unfortunately there will be deferrals of appointments and we apologise for this disruption,” the hospitals said in a joint statement.

The curtailment of elective admissions is likely to add to growing waiting lists at the hospitals.

Visiting patients in the two children’s hospitals, as well as the National Children’s Hospital in Tallaght, has also been restricted to parents and guardians only until further notice because of the increasing spread of swine flu.

The three hospitals said that the measures have been taken due to the increased numbers of children attending the hospitals with suspected swine flu.

The hospitals are requesting that the public do not make unnecessary visits to the emergency departments but contact their GP in the first instance. However, all emergency cases will be treated by the hospitals.

The three hospitals said they are working in collaboration to minimise the impact on patients and their families.

The Department of Health and HSE have previously warned that hospital admissions would have to be cancelled if there was a major upsurge in swine flu numbers.

Anonymous  Posted: 27/10/2009 11:25

If the GP system is some areas still didn't expect children to get sick on a 9 - 5 basis, there would be less attendance at A and E depts.

buzz  Posted: 27/10/2009 12:36

Agreed. Or if they didnt charge twice the price for getting sick on a bank holiday or weekend....

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