HSE Reports 677 People Hospitalised with Respiratory Illness as Hospitals Remain Very Busy

The HSE has warned that hospitals across Ireland remain under significant pressure as 2025 draws to a close, with 677 people currently hospitalised with respiratory illnesses including flu, Covid-19 and RSV as of today, Tuesday, 30 December.

Health officials have reported 2,321 new respiratory illness cases over the past week (Week 52), though there are signs that flu levels may have peaked, with 1,777 cases reported last week compared to 3,547 the week before.

However, the HSE has cautioned that reporting of respiratory illness levels over the Christmas period can be affected by changes in testing and healthcare seeking behaviour. The public is being urged to remain vigilant as levels of flu and other respiratory illnesses are expected to increase over the New Year period.

Of the 677 people currently hospitalised, 513 have flu, 40 have Covid-19, and 124 have RSV.

Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE, paid tribute to healthcare staff working over the holidays:

"Our whole healthcare system has responded to the surge in influenza cases over the Christmas period. Between the efforts of all services, in hospitals and in the community, we have seen a more efficient flow of patients resulting in less congestion within Emergency Departments. Many of our excellent staff have worked extremely hard to protect patients and services from the pressures caused by the high level of respiratory illness at this time, on top of the normal pressures caused by other illnesses and accidents."

Dr Henry warned that pressure is expected to build as the health service enters the New Year period and early January, traditionally the time of highest pressure on health services.

He urged people to continue following public health advice, including staying at home when sick where possible, ensuring vaccinations are up to date, and considering alternative healthcare services such as GPs, GP Out of Hours, injury units and pharmacies where appropriate.

"But please be assured if patients are very sick and in an emergency situation, they should attend their nearest Emergency Department, which are always available. The sickest patients are seen first, people with less severe injuries and symptoms may have to wait to be seen," Dr Henry added.

The HSE is supporting GP practices nationwide to provide additional in-person sessions for respiratory and acute consultations beyond their normal daytime surgery hours. This will deliver an additional 20,000 clinical hours targeting respiratory issues, with these additional clinics running from 8 December to 15 February.

A further 20,000 hours of GP Out of Hours capacity commenced on St Stephen's Day. Approximately 140,000 patients are expected to be seen at the additional GP clinics, including over 90,000 public patients who hold medical cards or GP visit cards.

People are asked to contact a GP out of hours service only if their GP surgery is closed and they urgently need medical attention, not for routine care.

Further information on urgent and emergency care options is available at https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-urgent-emergency-care/