There are now five flu outbreaks at Sligo University Hospital.
Visiting restrictions at the hospital remain in place.
Due to a sharp increase in flu cases in the community and Sligo University Hospital, management at the hospital are appealing to anyone with flu like symptoms, not to visit the hospital.
The hospital is currently managing five flu outbreaks in separate wards – this is an increase from the two outbreaks earlier in the week
The hospital is currently treating 18 patients with flu across Sligo University Hospital with a particularly high number of older people and children attending the ED with symptoms.
As a necessary infection control measure, Sligo University Hospital introduced visiting restrictions earlier this week.
The hospital regrets the impact these restrictions will have on patients and their families, especially at this time of year but they need to do everything they can to control the spread of infection.
They are asking the public to please reconsider visiting and only visit if necessary.
• Visiting to the hospital should only be considered for direct family.
• Children should not be brought to visit on adult wards
• Where a ward is managing a flu outbreak, visiting will be limited to compassionate grounds only.
• Visiting is only between 6-8pm each day.
• Visiting outside these hours can only be facilitated in exceptional circumstances and should be prearranged with the Clinical Nurse Manager 2 on the ward.
Symptoms of flu include a high temperature, aches and pains, headache, sore throat or cough. If you have any of these symptoms, please do not visit a loved one in the hospital. You must postpone your visit until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have cleared, this will reduce the risk of spreading infection to vulnerable patients and healthcare staff.
Everyone coming to the hospital should be extra vigilant, please wash your hands and use hand gel regularly. Face masks are widely available across the hospital.