HSE warning about impact on services as flu season hits peak

Health services in Meath and Louth have seen a rapid increase in cases of patients with flu and respiratory illnesses and are preparing for further significant increases over the Christmas period .

HSE Dublin North East has warned the impact of flu circulating in the community has a direct impact on the capacity of health services, both in hospitals and in primary and community care settings.

The North East Doctor on Call (NEDOC) service is expecting to be extremely busy over the Christmas period and has warned the public to expect delays.

Dr Vicki Marchant, medical director of NEDOC, highlighted the concerns patients have around 'flu.

“At the moment the flu virus is very prevalent and about to peak in the coming week or two. Covid is also very prevalent. Both can cause serious illness so it is important to take steps to mind ourselves and those around us.”

She urges people to make sure they’ve had their recommended winter vaccines, to avoid people with obvious symptoms, understand their medicines and make sure they have what they need over Christmas.

“If you or your child is unwell, avoid close contact with people more at risk of viruses. Keep your child home from school, childcare and other activities if they are not well enough to attend”.

The GP out of hours service will be open and available to patients at participating practices as normal this Christmas. As with all times of the year, patients who need the service should ring 1800 777 911. Your call will be triaged, medical advice provided and an appointment booked if necessary.

NEDOC is not a walk -in service and patients must ring for an appointment. While there can be delays in answering your call, or for triage to ring you back, you cannot walk into the centre as an appointment will not be made for you there.

NEDOC’s opening hours are from 6pm Wednesday 24th December to 8am Monday 29th December, from 6pm Monday 29th December to 8am Tuesday, 30th December, from 6pm Tuesday 30th December to 8am Wednesday 31st December and from 6pm Wednesday 31st December to 8am Friday 2nd January 2026.

Arlene Fitzsimons, director of operations at NEDOC said “GP surgeries will be open as normal until Wednesday 24th December, and again from Monday 29th - Wednesday 31st December inclusive. Patients should check the opening times of their own GP surgery.”

“We expect NEDOC to be extremely busy over Christmas and New Year, this is always our busiest time of year. “Patients should expect to face delays getting through to the service at peak times, which is at 6pm midweek. “There may also be a delay waiting for a call back from the nurse triager and patients may have a longer wait time for an appointment; however we will get to you and we ask for patience from our patients.”

Ms Fitzsimons said it is also important to know where you need to go. “While many patients will only need the support of their local pharmacist, on-line website advice, care from NEDOC; there will be patients who need additional care.

“The Minor Injury Units are a great alternative to ED for broken bones, sprains, minor burns and other non life-threathening injuries. There is a Minor Injuries Unit in Dundalk, in Monaghan and Navan. These units have access to x-ray and basic diagnostic services and more information is available on hse.ie/injuryunits.

“Very urgent and emergency situations such as chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe shortness of breath, etc, patients should present to their local Emergency Department (ED) where they deal with serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies. If your symptoms are not as urgent, your wait in ED will be longer. ED’s are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Phone 112 or 999 if you need urgent medical help.”

Dr Marchant has the following advice for patients to be prepared in these last few days before Christmas to get a few things in and to ready in the event of any illness.

“Check your first aid box is well stocked to treat minor ailments at home without having to contact NEDOC – this should include paracetamol, ibuprofen, calpol or Nurofen for younger children, diarolyte for any gastric issues and a thermometer.

“Make sure to get your regular prescriptions filled by your own surgery in advance of Christmas as this cannot be done by NEDOC.

“Make sure also to get your regular medication from the pharmacy in advance as many pharmacies close over the Christmas weekend. There are some really good websites mychild.ie, hse.ie/winter or undertheweather.ie for advice on common illnesses like colds, coughs, flu, earache and sore throats.

“If you are caring for someone that is terminally ill, please have medicines that are recommended by your Palliative Care team or GP for situations that could arise.”

A lot of respiratory illnesses are likely to occur in children over Christmas, most of these illnesses can be managed at home. Again there is good advice on self-care from mychild.ie. NEDOC should be contacted in the case of children whose condition deteriorates following home measures or who are very lethargic or experiencing difficulties.