IRELAND – Hospitals across Ireland have begun implementing severe visitor restrictions in response to an early and “difficult winter season” marked by a sharp increase in Influenza (flu) cases and corresponding hospital admissions. The HSE has warned of significant pressure on the healthcare system as over 500 people are currently hospitalized with the flu, and weekly reported cases have more than doubled, rising from 907 to 1,977 in a week.
The restrictions are being introduced as a crucial infection control measure to protect vulnerable patients and staff, and to reduce the spread of the virus within healthcare settings.
Regional Restrictions Overview
| Region | Hospital(s) | Key Restriction(s) | Additional Notes |
| Dublin | The Rotunda Hospital | One designated, named visitor per patient (no rotation/no children in in-patient areas). | Mandatory Surgical Face Mask for all visitors. Urgent plea for pregnant women to get vaccinated. |
| South East | Tipperary University Hospital | Completely closed to visitors (from today) due to flu and Norovirus cases. | Exceptions only by arrangement with the Clinical Nurse Manager (CNM) for critically ill/end-of-life. |
| South East | Wexford General Hospital | One visitor per patient during strictly enforced visiting times. | All visitors must wear surgical masks. Compassionate visiting arranged via the nurse in charge. |
| Midlands | Regional Hospital Mullingar | Restricted to one visitor at a time during designated hours. | Children under 12 only permitted for critically ill/end-of-life patients by prior arrangement. |
| West & North West | Galway Hospitals (UHG, Portiuncula, Merlin Park) | One visitor per inpatient each day. | Visiting limited to compassionate grounds only if a ward is managing a flu outbreak. |
| South West | Cork & Kerry Acute Hospitals (CUH, UHK, Bantry, Mallow) | Only one visitor per patient during visiting times. | Mandatory Surgical Face Mask for all visitors. |
HSE Urges Vaccination and Caution
The restrictions come as presentations to emergency departments continue to rise sharply. Dr. Anne Sheahan, HSE South West Regional Director of Public Health, emphasized the severity of the situation.
“Unfortunately, flu rates in the community continue to increase, and we are taking these measures within our hospitals to keep patients safe,” Dr. Sheahan stated.
Hospitals, including St Luke’s General Hospital Carlow Kilkenny, have issued appeals for anyone with flu-like symptoms (such as a temperature, cough, or runny nose) or gastrointestinal symptoms to not visit the hospital. The public, especially those eligible for a free vaccine, are strongly urged to get their flu jab “as soon as possible” to curb the spread and reduce hospital pressures.
