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Non-Covid-19 health services will resume in hospitals as the number of people in beds in the ICU decreases, said the chief executive of the Health Service.
Chief Executive Paul Reid said the situation with Covid-19 is starting to improve as numbers in the ICU continue to drop and are now 55% lower than the peak of 160.
He also confirmed that 120 million masks will be delivered to health care personnel this week after an agreement has been made with South Korea for their delivery.
Speaking at the weekly HSE Covid-19 briefing on Sunday, he said, “Now we can start non-Covid services in hospitals, but it won’t be easy.”
However, he warned that the health service cannot return to how it was before the pandemic and said: “What we cannot do in the next phase is to maximize the capacity of the health service.”
He said there are now three top priorities in non-Covid healthcare; cancer treatments, time-dependent surgery, including transplants and maximize the use of private hospitals.
He said that while HSE is beginning to recommend regular hospital services, we cannot return to overcrowded hospitals as was the case before the pandemic.
“We need to keep capacity below 80% and protect Covid-19’s public and staff.”
Regarding a return to non-Covid services, Reid said cancer would be a priority, as well as cardiovascular surgery and other treatments.
He said it was important that mental health, respite primary care services also boast.
He said that capacity will need to be used in both public and private health services in the future.
Private hospitals became part of the public health system in March during the coronavirus pandemic.
Some 2,000 beds, nine laboratories and thousands of employees have been recruited into the public system,
On Saturday, the number of deaths from coronavirus in Ireland increased to 1,429 after the National Public Health Emergency Team announced another 27 deaths.
There have been 156 new confirmed cases of the virus, taking the total in the country since the outbreak began at 22,541.
This week’s HSE brieifing will take place in Sala Pillar at Mater Hospital, what a venue.# Covid19Ireland pic.twitter.com/d7uPFY7rvI
– Áine McMahon (@AineMcMahon) May 10, 2020
Because blocking measures will be slightly reduced next week, he said testing has been significantly increased as Ireland is on track to have the ability to do 100,000 tests per week from May 18 onwards.
He said all 30,000 staff and 28,000 nursing home residents have been screened and the labs now have the capacity to perform 15,000 tests per day in the region.
The time it takes for a swab test to get results is 2.4 days, which is in line with many of the other countries in general and contact tracking was done within 1.5 days after that.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Simon Harris urged people not to bend or stretch public health standards.
Good Sunday morning everyone! #Stay at home #Stay safe #Firm hold. We have this: let’s finish the job. We would all never forgive ourselves if we left things behind now # COVID-19 #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/dUFKPgRczC
– Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) May 10, 2020
He tweeted today: “If you are thinking of flexing or stretching public health rules, please don’t.
And whatever it is, remember this number: 72.
“The number of people in ICU with Covid-19 fighting for their life and health”.
He said that while people expect some restrictions to be eased starting May 18, people should stay the course.
“People can’t think it’s okay to start now … The bottom line is: it isn’t.
“It is dangerous. Every day counts.
“The reason these restrictions are in place until then: to save your life and keep your loved ones well.”
- Useful information
- The HSE has developed an information package on how to protect yourself and others from the coronavirus. Read it here
- Anyone with coronavirus symptoms who has been in close contact with a confirmed case in the past 14 days should isolate themselves from others; This means going alone to a different, well-ventilated room with a phone; call your GP or emergency department;
- After-hours GP services are not in a position to order tests for patients with normal cold and flu symptoms. HSELive is an information line and, similarly, is not in a position to order tests for members of the public. The public is asked to reserve 112/999 for medical emergencies at all times.
- ALONE has launched a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or face difficulties related to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak in Ireland. The support line will be open seven days a week, from 8 am to 8 pm, by calling 0818 222 024
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