‘THE PEAK HAS YET TO COME’

IT will be a number of weeks before University Hospital Kerry reaches its peak for Covid-19 patients according to clinical director at the hospital Dr Niamh Feely.

Dr Feely has warned that the crisis has not hit the county yet but UHK is bracing itself for a sharp daily increase in Covid-19 patients in the coming weeks. Kerry has now 117 cases of Covid-19 and 14 confirmed cases were in UHK as of Saturday, and a further 24 suspected cases according to statistics released.

Nationally there has is now more than 5,700 cases and Tuesday’s figures was the highest jump in Kerry cases yet. In an interview with The Kerryman this week Dr Feely said that preparations are in place at the hospital for the expected surge in patients.

“It certainly seems to be very bad in Dublin but it has a high population and is a big city with public transport. We have not seen that yet.”

“We expect a gradual rise over the next couple of weeks. It is not at its peak. It will be a couple of weeks before it reaches is peak.

“We have been preparing for quite a long time. The clinical teams have just been amazing. We are as prepared as can be.”

She said there is ‘grave uncertainty’ amongst staff at what lies ahead. “You are waiting around but what are we waiting for?”

Dr Feely said that the battle on the front-line continues daily. Patients now with Covid-19 symptoms are streamed through a different channel from the rest of the hospital to isolate the patient.

Dedicated wards have been set up at the hospital for COVID-19 patients and more will come on line if and when they are needed. When treating COVID patients medical teams wear full personal protection equipment including gowns, eye protection, gloves and face mask. This is single use equipment which is disposed of immediately after use.

“Patients are screened when they present to the Emergency Department and accessed in isolated rooms,” she explained.

She said the message from UHK is that the Emergency Department is open for emergencies, both Covid and non Covid related and the general public should not be afraid to attend.

“Do not be afraid to come to us. If there is an emergency dial 999 as you would have previously. Otherwise contact your GP and you will be brought to us and dealt with safely.”

One of the hardest challenges for both staff and Covid-19 patients is the rigorous precautions which exclude families from visiting loved ones.

The vital precautions also mean that medical staff can’t offer extra care and support as they would have done previously. “It is a very hard situation.” Dr Feely also thanked the public for their support during the crisis and urged the public to follow the guidelines and stay at home to flatten the curve. “It is hugely important.”

Meanwhile, else where in the county a community assessment hub for Covid-19 patients is to open in the former Castleisland Primary Care Centre. This is a GP referral hub for treatment.

Dr Niamh Feely