Surge of Covid and flu cases at Mater Hospital forces call to public to avoid Emergency Department

The Mater Hospital has once again had to appeal to the public to avoid its emergency department where possible amid a Covid and flu surge.

According to a statement released by the hospital, services are under “extreme pressure” due to an increase in the number of patients contracting “a transmissible respiratory infection, in particular Covid-19 and influenza”.

As a result, a temporary restriction has had to be placed on visitation “to avoid unnecessary exposures to patients, staff, and members of the public”.

READ MORE: 'Providing safe care impossible' - Irish hospital overcrowding higher now than any point during Covid-19

A spokesperson also warned that patients who are presenting at their emergency department, “are unfortunately experiencing lengthy waiting times to be seen,” if they are considered non-urgent.

The Mater is now advising patients with non-emergency conditions to attend other parts of the health service such as minor injury units or their GP.

However, they continue to insist that “any patient who is in need of emergency hospital care will of course be seen and the Mater would urge such patients not to delay and to seek such care”.

At the moment, daily visits are allowed by one designated support partner/family member for:

• Patients undergoing end of life care
• Critically ill patients
• Vulnerable adults
• Patients with a visit requirement due to mental health conditions.

Outside of these categories, any support partners / family members of patients should check with the ward before attending the hospital.

This restriction will be reviewed every two to three days over the next two weeks, the spokesperson confirmed.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this causes to the public and thank them for their understanding and cooperation”.

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