Dublin: Children's Health Ireland said the number of children attending their emergency departments in Temple Street, Crumlin, Tallaght and Connolly increased by 50% compared to the same period in 2019.
300-400 patients usually reach different sites a day, but now they are seeing more than 600 patients a day. CHI said the increase in number was due to an early increase in these seasonal respiratory illnesses and viruses in children, as seen in the international level. Parents are advised to provide influenza vaccination to children as soon as possible because of the influenza season.
Dr. Carroll Blackburn, an emergency medicine consultant at the Our Ladies Children's Hospital, said the situation was very challenging, waiting for more time for the children who were not comfortable.
CHI said parents should consider visiting their GP and local pharmacy, but if their child needs immediate care or consideration, they should be careful to participate in the emergency department next to them.
