69 people died in Tallaght Hospital from Covid-19
By Aideen O'Flaherty
A TOTAL of 285 people tested positive for Covid-19 in Tallaght University Hospital between March and June inclusive this year, and 69 of those people passed away, while an assessment hub for those who have tested positive but can remain at home has been set up in Millbrook Lawns in Tallaght.
The hospital figures were released by the HSE at a recent meeting of the Mid-Leinster Regional Health Forum, where the health service also advised that coronavirus testing at Tallaght Stadium is now held twice a week, due to the dwindling numbers of people seeking tests.
Tallaght University Hospital has put in place a number of systems
Samples have been collected from 8,657 people at the Tallaght Stadium testing facility since March 16, according to the figures which were released on July 14, and some Tallaght residents have also received appointments in other testing centres in Newbridge, Lucan, and the Aviva Stadium.
“The majority of clients referred with symptoms of Covid-19 are offered a same day or next day appointment at our testing centres,” stated Ann O’Shea, the HSE’s chief officer for Dublin South, Kildare and West Wicklow Community Health Care.
“This quick turn-around time from referral to testing is a key action to combat Covid-19.
“The HSE are [also] supporting the mass testing of all staff in the nursing homes in Tallaght, which is a national measure being taken to protect the staff and residents of these units.”
An assessment hub has been established in the Millbrook Lawns Health Centre for the provision of timely, community-based clinical assessments for Covid-19 positive patients, and it allows patients to access this service within their own geographical area.
“The hub maximises the number of patients with the Covid-19 virus who can self-care at home through the provision of clinical input, advice and supports,” explained Ms O’Shea, “and minimises any inappropriate utilisation of acute hospital capacity in the Tallaght area.”
In a bid to combat the spread of the virus in Tallaght the HSE has put in place a number of systems, including the implementation of Infection Prevention Control guidelines within services, continuous staff training on infection control, provision of PPE, and education and training on the use and disposal of PPE within HSE services.
The sharing of information with families and residents on Infection Prevention Control also forms part of their initiatives, as does the publishing of guidance in relation to Covid-19 on the HSE website and other governmental websites, and campaigns incorporating media advertisements and updates.
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