Second Covid-19 ward set up at Wexford General
A second ward for Covid-19 patients has been set up at Wexford General Hospital ahead of a predicted spike in cases of the virus. Inside the hospital, St Mary’s Ward is now to become the second specialised ward, following on from St Bridget’s Ward, to deal with coronavirus cases, while the former Medical Assessment Unit is in the process of being prepared to create additional intensive care unit spaces, which will become functional this week.
Hospital management have said that the initial Covid-19 unit at St Bridget’s Ward and the specialised Respiratory Assessment Unit (RAU) are working very well at the moment and staff are doing a great job when it comes to taking all necessary precautions.
Last week, General Manager at the hospital, Lilly Byrnes expressed concerns that the number of people attending the Emergency Department were way down and pointed out that if people were in genuine need, they should still attend the hospital. The specially established Pod at the Emergency Department is ‘successfully selecting referrals to the Emergency Department and to the RAU, and is proving a great help to completely separating patients for their assessment.
In addition to St Bridget’s and St Mary’s wards being commandeered for Covid patients, work is currently ongoing to prepare additional beds in Ely House in Ardcavan.
Similarly what are termed ‘step-down facilities’ are available in Gorey District Hospital for patients who have recovered from the virus but need additional care before they are discharged home. It’s also been noted that after patients are discharged, there is a process in place to support them for the early days of recovering post- Covid.
Issuing a rallying message to staff, hospital management noted that the number of cases diagnosed in Co Wexford remains quite low and is consistent with other counties outside of the major urban areas which are experiencing far higher numbers.
Staff were praised for working together so effectively in the face of this major threat and for adapting so quickly to the new measures put in place to ensure the hospital is in the best possible position to respond.
Over the past week, the hospital has welcomed several new employees, as well as retired colleagues who have returned to ensure that the hospital is well staffed in the event of a spike. Again, the people of Wexford are asked to do their part and adhere to all of the guidelines circulated by the government and the HSE - mainly, continuing to wash hands thoroughly and to avoid all unnecessary contact for the next few weeks.