Flu Surge Leads to Increased Demand for Out-of-Hours GP Services
The holiday season has brought a significant surge in the number of people seeking medical care due to influenza. Southdoc, a provider of out-of-hours GP services, has seen a notable increase in patients across Cork and Kerry.
Sharp Increase in Patient Numbers
Compared to the same period last year, there was nearly a 10% jump in patients attending Southdoc during the Christmas period. Dr. Gary Stack, Southdoc’s medical director, explained that this surge was primarily due to respiratory illnesses like influenza and RSV.
He stated, “On those five days, the figures this year were 6,740 compared to 6,151 last year. That’s almost 10% extra.”
Medical Admissions and Treatment
The Southdoc clinics treated 9,173 patients overall, with 70% seen within three hours of their initial call. Dr. Stack emphasized, “We had 550 extra patients on those days, prompting us to extend our services hours to accommodate the higher demand.”
A concerning statistic was that 11% of these patients were referred to hospital. However, 89% received the necessary treatment on-site.
Flu Vaccine—A Preventative Measure
Dr. Stack, who has been involved in annual flu data projects in Ireland for 30 years, underscored the importance of the flu vaccine. “In all that time, I cannot recall a single patient who contracted the flu after receiving the vaccine,” he asserted.
He stressed the necessity of vaccination, especially for vulnerable groups like children and older people.
Overwhelmed Hospitals
The influenza outbreak has also put significant pressure on hospitals across Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, County Dublin. Dr. Darren McLoughlin, from Mercy University Hospital, reported seeing a notable rise in flu and COVID-19 patients.
“Many patients have had to be admitted, and some required critical care treatment,” he said. He also predicted a further increase in patient numbers in the next few weeks.
Public Health Midwest Reports Record Flu Activity
Public Health Midwest, which covers Limerick, Clare, and north Tipperary, has recorded a substantial increase in flu cases. A total of 396 flu cases were confirmed between Sunday and the following Saturday— the highest weekly incidence this winter.
A spokesperson urged, “It is not too late to get the flu vaccine, especially if you are in a vulnerable group.”
Challenges in Hospital Patient Capacity
The strain on the healthcare system continues, as the number of patients without a hospital bed remains high. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation reported 538 unbedded patients on Friday.
Among the most overcrowded were University Hospital Limerick and Cork University Hospital, with 96 and 68 unbedded patients respectively.
While the number of unbedded patients has decreased since January 3, 2023, when it peaked at 931, the situation remains critical.
Call to Action
The increased patient numbers and ongoing flu surge highlight the importance of taking proactive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones. Getting vaccinated is a simple yet effective way to prevent illness and reduce the burden on our healthcare system.
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