The HSE has closed all Day Services/Day Hospitals for older people as well as disabled services across Donegal.
The action was taken because of the risks associated with numbers of people mixing together, non-compliance with Social Distancing, and transporting of people in small confined space (mini buses).
The restrictions have been put in place to protect residents, service users and staff.
A HSE spokesperson said “We wish to thank the public for their ongoing support as all parts of the health services respond to COVID-19.”
All services users/family members have been contacted and provided with a named contact person who will respond to any queries arising.
Daily contact will be made with people at risk by day service personnel.
Visiting restrctions are in place in Older Persons Nursing Units across Donegal with no visiting permitted in Community Hospitals/Nursing Units.
The public is asked to contact the Nurse Manager of the unit if you have any concerns.
Vising Restrictions in place in all Communty Group Homes (Residential Centres) for persons with a Disability across the CHO 1 area
All Service Users/Family members have been communicated with in this regard.
Chief Officer CHO 1 Mr John Hayes stated “We recognise that these closures and visiting restrictions may be challenging for patients and their families, however, our priority must be to protect the Service Users, residents and staff in our Disability Services and Older Persons Services who are vulnerable to infection. We would like to thank members of the public for their co-operation. We are very conscious that as the entire health service prepares to meet the challenges ahead, there will unfortunately be an impact on people using our services. We will do everything we can to keep that impact to a minimum.”
Anyone with general concerns should firstly visit HSE.ie/coronavirus. If you still have concerns, you can ring HSE Live on 1850 24 1850
The HSE reiterated that anyone with symptoms should not show up at their GP/ GP Out of Hours Service or ED unannounced
Symptoms of coronavirus are a cough, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties, fever (high temperature).
If you develop symptoms you will need to self-isolate and phone your GP. The people in your household need to restrict their movements.
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. The GP will assess you over the phone. If they think you need to be tested for coronavirus, they will arrange a test.
We would like to remind the public that the most important steps we can all take right now are to:
1) Wash our hands, thoroughly and regularly for at least 20 seconds.
2) Stop the spread of infections by covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, either with a tissue or your arm.
3) Abide by Social distancing. This is important to help slow the spread of coronavirus. It does this by minimising contact between potentially infected individuals and healthy individuals.
3) Go to HSE.ie/coronavirus for the best and most current information as the situation evolves.
