Staff Update April 3rd

Written on 03/04/2020

 Colleagues,             

As we come closer to the weekend, on behalf of the management team I want to pay tribute to all of you for another phenomenal week. The feedback I receive on a daily basis is so uplifting and inspiring as you all continue to display such professionalism during this challenging time. 

This week staff members along with community groups, various public agencies, organisations, sporting clubs and many individuals have come together like never before to help those most in need during Covid 19.

Across the Mid West and all around the country contact numbers have been put in place to support older people and vulnerable people during Covid 19.  

If you or your family, friends or neighbours are in need of support I would urge you to contact your local community response helpline. 

I am enclosing a video link of the launch of our Limerick service. 

Link to the video:https://twitter.com/CommHealthMW/status/1246054245100670976



For updates visit www.hse.ie/coronavirus or www.gov.ie/health-covid-19


​Updated Contact details for Primary Care Psychology Service, Clare Abbey Medical Centre, Clarecastle, Co.Clare 

We wish to advise all staff that our Primary Care Clinical Psychology Service,  previously located in the Willow Unit of St Joseph’s  Hospital, Ennis have relocated to the Clare Abbey (Saffron and Blue) Medical Centre, Clarecastle, V95HK50 with immediate effect. 

Clare Primary Care Psychology Service, Clare Abbey Health Centre, Clarecastle, Clare, V95HK50


CEO Paul Reid's update on the HSE's COVID-19 response 

Areas of focus include: 

  • bed capacity

  • contact tracing, 

  • testing, 

  • lab capacity. 

  • PPE Supply 


Updated Guidance on Covid-19 Testing  

If your GP decides that you need to be tested

  • Your GP will arrange a test for you. 

  • You will need to self-isolate while you wait for your test. 

  • The people in your household will need to restrict their movements.

  • Make sure your GP has the correct mobile number for you.

This is so we can contact you by text message with your test details. 

Text confirmation

You will get a text message with the time and location of your test a few days after your GP arranges your test.  

The text will include a reference number. You will need to bring this to your appointment. 

Your GP and HSELive do not have access to your reference number. 

Bring your phone

Bring your phone with you to the test centre or drive-thru test centre. You will need to show the reference number you received in the text message we sent you. 

If a Garda stops you on your way to a test centre:

  • show them the text message with your appointment information. 

  • Do not open your window. 

  • Hold your phone up to the window to show the Garda your appointment details. 


Dedicated priority shopping for healthcare workers in some supermarkets 

Tesco:

Tesco have introduced dedicated hours (from open until 9am) for healthcare workers in stores on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is no requirement to show identification, you will only be required to make yourself known as a healthcare worker to Tesco staff members as you enter the store.  

Lidl:

Lidl stores will prioritise healthcare workers at any time once you show a valid HSE ID. 

Marks and Spencers:

In Marks and Spencers the first hour of trading on Tuesdays and Fridays are for HSE and emergency workers


COVID-19 Guidance is now available for staff and carers who provide services to people with disabilities

This guidance will ensure that staff and carers are fully aware of the steps they need to take during the outbreak.

There are two guidance documents for staff in residential services working in:

  • Nurse-Led Disability Services.

  • Social Care led Disability Services.  

There are other short Guidance documents on issues such as: 

  • A practical checklist to avoid stressors for service users.   

  • A desensitisation programme is also included that can be used in the coming weeks to prevent people with disabilities from becoming distressed when being asked to undertake a test, or for that matter who become distressed if their care worker has to wear a mask.

  • There are easy read versions of the guidance documents and programmes that can be downloaded and used by all disability services.   

There is a guidance document which outlines considerations for alternative ways of supporting people at a time when the regular services are not available: 

  • Alternative Models of Care (non-residential). 

 Link to the above information:https://www.hse.ie/eng/


Helpful exercises to keep you active and improve your physical health at your work station

Covid-19 means many of us are spending long hours at a desk in front of a screen at work or home. 

See below some helpful exercises to support your physical health and counteract the impact of long hours of sitting