“We are doing this to ensure that illness is not spread from our sick children in hospital onto their siblings, whānau and broader community,” Counties Manukau Health posted on social media on Friday. It comes as a surge in viral winter illnesses is creating havoc in Auckland emergency departments, with public hospitals and primary healthcare providers overwhelmed by viruses such as RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). This week, Counties Manukau Health confirmed its hospital’s emergency department has been under pressure, with 415 people coming through the doors on Monday alone. Chri...