Photograph: Getty ImagesUp to 1,000 hospital beds will be needed for people requiring admission for the flu as part of a surge in cases expected in the coming weeks, doctors have warned. The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) said the equivalent of two large hospitals will soon be occupied by patients with flu across the State. Dr Gilligan said the surge in patients needing hospital admission has again highlighted the shortage of beds in the health system. “Crowding of acute hospitals both in their emergency departments and on their wards leads to challenges in reducing the spread of infection. It said 418 flu cases were reported in hospitals the week ending November 29th, compared to 213 the week before.

Source: The Irish Times December 07, 2025 15:29 UTC