Visiting Restrictions Introduced at Cork and Kerry Hospitals Due to Rising Flu Cases

HSE South has introduced immediate visiting restrictions across all acute hospitals in Cork and Kerry as influenza cases surge across the region. From today, only one visitor per patient will be permitted during designated visiting times, with surgical masks mandatory for all visitors.

The new restrictions, which came into effect on 7 December 2025, apply to Cork University Hospital, University Hospital Kerry, Bantry General Hospital and Mallow General Hospital. Visiting times at each facility will be strictly enforced, with surgical masks provided to all visitors.

The HSE is urging anyone who feels unwell to avoid visiting patients. Symptoms such as fever, runny nose, cough, diarrhoea or vomiting mean you should stay at home. Exceptions to the visitor restrictions may be made by contacting ward staff in advance.

Dr Anne Sheahan, HSE South West Regional Director of Public Health, explained the decision:

"We are introducing these visitor restrictions in light of the increasing cases of flu circulating. Unfortunately, flu rates in the community continue to increase and we are taking these measures within our hospitals to keep patients safe."

Dr Sheahan emphasised the importance of vaccination for those eligible for free flu jabs.

"We continue to see a rapid increase in the number of cases with patients with influenza, and in the number of patients needing to be hospitalised. This presents a risk to those who are susceptible to more severe disease including those aged over 60, those with underlying medical conditions, pregnant women and those who are immunocompromised. Our strong advice to those groups is to get vaccinated now and get the protection they need."

HSE South West also issued a warning about conditions at Cork University Hospital's Emergency Department, which is experiencing very high levels of activity with lengthy waiting times. Staff will prioritise patients based on clinical need, meaning those with non-urgent conditions may face significant delays.

The HSE is encouraging the public to consider alternative care options before travelling to the Emergency Department. These include GPs, pharmacists and SouthDoc out-of-hours services.

The "think three times" approach advises patients to consider:

• Think once: Your local pharmacy for minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, sore throats, earaches, rashes and stomach upsets.
• Think twice: Your GP or SouthDoc for urgent problems that don't require emergency care. GP surgeries can assess concerns, arrange tests, imaging and referrals to specialists.
• Think a third time: Injury Units in Mallow, Bantry and Gurranabraher for expert care without the ED wait.

The visiting restrictions will be lifted as soon as clinical circumstances allow.