‘Make hotel rooms available to health staff’

FEARS that healthcare workers living in overcrowded accommodation are in danger of spreading COVID-19 among staff has led to calls for hotel rooms to be made available within close proximity to University Hospital Kerry.

COVID-19 infection in twothirds of all medical staff in Ireland occurred outside of the hospital setting, and temporary accommodation would offer healthcare staff a chance to self-isolate between shifts, minimising the risk of transmission.

It would give staff the option of staying in accommodation that is not their primary residence, and would also help reduce the chances of spreading infection among family members. Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Bernadette Randles said IHF members are willing to answer the call if needed as hotel rooms are perfectly designed for the task.

“On behalf of IHF in Kerry, if we can do anything, just contact us. I know everyone of our members will be willing to do something,” she said.

“It’s already taking place in other parts of the country, and it would make sense if things got really bad. We’re all in this together and whatever we can do will be done.”

Bernadette added that hotels are a great option as individuals would have their own rooms and showers and would be able to relax.

“I’m sure if hotels were asked they would step up to the mark. I certainly know a lot of our members would.

“There are no heavy logistics around this and it can be easily done. It’s about managing the best of our output in this difficult situation,” she said.

Cllr Terry O’Brien has also called on hotels in Tralee and Kerry to answer the call, describing it as ‘essential’ to help save lives.

“From what we’re hearing and seeing in relation to COVID-19, this is something that makes perfect sense,” Cllr O’Brien said.

“It’s protection all round for nurses, doctors, their families and the public at large. If you have a nurse working in a highly septic ward and then risking going home, or lodging with other nurses in close proximity, it is deadly.

“We have plenty of hotels in Tralee and Kerry that I’m sure, if push came to shove, would open their facilities. They could offer an entire floor with individual rooms, side by side, with all the facilities.

“It’s been proven that this virus is also taking the lives of young people with no underlying health issues.

“If I were a nurse and I was given this option of staying in separate accommodation, I would be thrilled,” Cllr O’Brien added.