Covid: Local hospitals brace for ‘significant increased demand’ for beds



The Saolta University Healthcare Group, of which Sligo and Letterkenny hospitals are part, says COVID-19 infection rates are now at an all-time high across all age groups.

In relation to the Covid vaccination programme, it says that in the first instance the vaccine is being offered to hospital staff directly providing care to confirmed and suspect COVID-19 cases — and this includes support staff and clerical staff working in these areas.

Sligo University Hospital has 39 patients with COVID-19 in the hospital, with 2 patients in ICU, as at 8pm last night.

There are 5 critical care beds in the hospital and as part of the hospital’s Covid escalation plan, 3 additional beds can be escalated in response to a sudden increase in patient volume and demand for hospital care and resources, including ICU beds, staff and equipment.

In relation to the COVID-19 vaccination programme for staff, Saolta said it started last Wednesday and by the end of last week more than 680 vaccines were administered to hospital staff.

It added that, In the first instance, the vaccine is being offered to staff directly providing care to confirmed and suspect COVID-19 cases including ICU, the Emergency Department, Acute Assessment Unit and the Covid wards.

This includes support staff and clerical staff working in these areas also.

Vaccine clinics will be scheduled according to the availability of the vaccine, and all staff in the hospital will be offered the vaccine.

The hospital vaccination team are also supporting administration of vaccines this week in residential care facilities locally.

The statement goes on to say COVID-19 infection rates are at an all-time high across all age groups.

And it adds that the coming weeks will see an on-going and significant increased demand for hospital bed capacity related to COVID-19, based upon the data now available.

It also says it is extremely important for everyone to follow public health advice to reduce the rate of transmission by staying at home unless it is essential to go out.



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