Hospital ‘prepared for a surge’ in Covid-19 cases

WEXFORD General Hospital is said to be ‘prepared for a surge’ in cases of Covid-19 as testing is ramped up across the county.

Speaking yesterday (Monday), General Manager at the hospital, Lily Byrnes said that a ‘significant number’ of new staff are coming on board and that ‘staff are being trained and are working to ensure that we are prepared for any surge that may occur in the hospital’.

She added that staff are preparing for a surge as the levels of testing, including at the recently installed drivein test centre in Whitemill, is increased. Hospital staff have commented on the level of goodwill expressed by the community across the county over the past couple of weeks, however, Ms Byrnes stressed that there are simple steps that people can take to help them to weather this storm.

‘We would ask that people please continue to adhere to national guidelines to stay home, wash your hands frequently, don’t touch your face and for those over 70 or with underlying health problems to continue to cocoon,’ she said.

‘This is how the public can continue to support the staff and the hospital. I’d like to thank all staff and the community for their work and the huge amount of support, but you can continue to support us by continuing to adhere to the guidance of the government and the HSE.’

While concerns had been expressed regarding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) over the past week, Ms Byrnes said that, thankfully, Wexford General is well-stocked and is working with the Ireland East Hospital Group to ensure a supply chain of PPE is maintained on an ongoing basis.

One other point Ms Byrnes was keen to stress is that the Emergency Department at the hospital is still operational and people shouldn’t put off attending hospital if they find themselves in a genuine emergency.

‘Our Emergency Department is still operational and those patients who are really unwell should please come in,’ she said. ‘We have created completely safe different pathways to manage Covid and non-Covid patients. For example, if you experiencing symptoms that may be a stroke or a heart attack, do not delay in calling 999 and coming to the Emergency Department. The hospital is completely safe and we’ve effectively created a “hospital within a hospital” to manage Covid-19 patients,’ she said.