Pressure eases on children’s wards after urgent appeal

PARENTS in Dublin are being advised to continue avoiding bringing sick children to the emergency departments of children’s hospitals, despite an easing of pressure on services yesterday after unprecedented demand for admissions in the last week.

Large numbers of chil- dren presented at hospitals seeking treatment following an outbreak of respiratory illnesses meant parents were being advised to attend family doctors and local out-of-hours GP services over the weekend.

The pressure on children’s hospitals struggling to cope with a surge in demand for services eased yesterday after an appeal to parents.

Conditions at the three children’s hospitals, including; Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, the Children’s University Hospital, Temple Street and the National Children’s Hospital in Tallaght, were operational but busy yesterday.

However, parents are still being advised to use outof-hours GP care if seeking treatment for youngsters. A spokesperson for the Children’s Hospital Group said the situation at the hospitals is under constant review and the public will be made aware of any developments.

“Over recent days the three children’s hospitals experienced an unprecedented demand in Emergency De- partment attendances due to a high number of young children presenting with respiratory illnesses.’’

She added the pressure had eased considerably yesterday but said parents should remain vigilant.

“The situation has calmed overnight and the three hospitals are operational but busy.

“The situation is being managed and monitored and is under constant review.”

Tallaght Hospital has restricted visiting hours as it attempts to control the risk of infection for patients and the public. A statement from the hospital said patients in the adult hospital are only allowed to have one visitor between 2pm to 4pm and 6.30pm to 8.30pm.