Mercy University Hospital (MUH) has introduced visiting restrictions and renewed its appeal to members of the public needing less urgent treatment to avail, where possible, of other care services, due to a surge in demand at the hospital's Emergency Department.
Visiting restrictions have been introduced at Mercy University Hospital (MUH) following a spike in the number of patients presenting at the hospital with flu.
Visiting will be allowed on compassionate grounds under prior arrangement with the hospital.
Meanwhile, due to high demand for services at the MUH Emergency Department (ED) the hospital has renewed its appeal to members of the public needing less urgent treatment to avail, where possible, of other care services.
Patients with less urgent complaints are advised to contact their GPs in the first instance, or to avail of services at the Mercy Local Injury Unit, St Mary's Health Campus in Gurranabraher, which is open from 8am to 6pm.
The public are reminded that South Doc is also an option for those seeking medical attention outside of working hours.
In addition to the Mercy Local Injury Unit, the Local Injury Unit at Bantry General Hospital operates between 8am and 7.30pm and the Local Injury Unit in Mallow General Hospital is open from 8am to 8pm.
MUH is currently experiencing high demand for its ED services due to a marked increase in the attendances of acutely ill patients and a surge in Covid-19, flu and winter vomiting presentations
This is in addition to caring for frail older persons with complex needs.
The ED remains open 24/7 however, it says it is regrettable that patients are and will continue to experience delays.
It says patient care is a priority at MUH and hospital management have stressed that the clinical needs of all patients in the Emergency Department are being cared for.
