Parents in Dublin have been advised to avoid Emergency Department visits with their children unless it is absolutely necessary.
This advice comes from health officials after a recent rise in the number of respiratory illnesses.
The staff at Children’s Health Ireland hospitals are reportedly under major pressure due to this rise in presentations.
As a result, they are reminding patients to contact their GP or pharmacist before coming into the Emergency Department.
Speaking about the issue, CHI’s Dr. Paddy Fitzpatrick has said parents who do attend the ED should be prepared for a longer wait than usual.
“Our emergency departments in Temple Street and Crumlin, our emergency care unit in Tallaght and our urgent care centre in Connolly are all experiencing busy activity in terms of attendances,” he said.
“Some patients with less serious presentations will experience longer waiting times.”
However, Dr Fitzpatrick went on to say that patients who need emergency management are being “prioritised and treated with urgency.”
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