Colleagues
I hope you all had an enjoyable weekend and to all staff who were on duty thank you for your hard work throughout the Mid West.
Within the Mid-West, residential settings are seeking support from staff of all grades and disciplines who may be willing to volunteer to assist and support them in the delivery of patient care, in particular into private nursing homes as well as other residential care settings.
If any of you are available and willing to volunteer I would appreciate if you would contact your line manager who will then communicate offers to the Head of Service for consideration and progression. Your line manager will also be able to discuss with you any questions you may have before volunteering.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for you dedication and hard work and your on-going support during these challenging times, it is very much appreciated.
For updates visit www.hse.ie/coronavirus or www.gov.ie/health-covid-19
Healthcare worker COVID-19 helpline operating hours have now changed
The helpline, specifically for health care workers, assists staff and managers with information and advice during the Covid-19 period.
New operating hours:
Monday to Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am - 4pm
National HR, Workplace Health & Wellbeing Unit supports include:
- Occupational Health – specialised medical advice and guidance and management of healthcare workers.
- Health & Safety – Policy, Training, Audit & Advice/Information
- Employee Assistant Programmes Counselling and Psychosocial Sup-ports
- Organisational Health – manager referral on specific work and organisation psychology and psychosocial support in the workplace
For staff information and advice on COVID-19 go to healthservice.ie/coronavirus
Online education and training resources for nursing and midwifery staff returning to work
The Office of Nursing & Midwifery Services (ONMSD) has developed online education and training resources to help up skill nursing and midwifery staff returning to work during COVID-19 crisis.
Access to developing Covid-19 Resource Packs are available in the course catalogues section on HSELanD.
HSELanD will certify completion of COVID-19 programmes
Staff who are returning to practice and need support with education and training can contact
Local Centre of Nurse and Midwifery Education (CNMEs) or Local Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Unit (NMPDUs)
The ONMSD will continue to support nurses and midwives currently in service as well as those returning to work during the COVID-10 emergency.
Read here for on-going support information
Information on Clinical Assessment Units in the Mid West
Listen to Dr Pat Morrissey explaining to Limerick’s Live95FM how the new Clinical Assessment for the Mid West will operate
Hay Fever Symptoms
The pollen count is higher now so more people will experience hay fever. If you normally get hay fever, you will be familiar with the typical signs and symptoms. They usually occur about the same time every year.
Typical hay fever symptoms include:
- sneezing
- coughing
- a runny or blocked nose
- itchy red or watery eyes
- itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
While there are some similarities between the symptoms of coronavirus and hay fever, there are also ways to tell the difference.
Hay fever symptoms get worse when you are exposed to certain triggers. For example pollen, weeds or grass.
Hay fever does not cause a high temperature and most people with hay fever do not feel unwell.
While coronavirus can cause symptoms in your upper airways such as loss of smell or a blocked nose, it is usually associated with a high temperature, aches and pains and a cough.
Over the counter medicines from your pharmacy can help to treat the symptoms of hay fever. If you take steroid nasal sprays you should continue to do so.
Talk to your GP if you have severe or persistent symptoms.
DON'T BRING IT HOME
Don't bring a wallet or handbag to work. Place cards, cash & drivers license in a Ziploc bag.
Leave a pen at work & clean it often with hand sanitiser.
Wear minimalist clothes & aim to leave as many items you use at work outside your home.
Avoid eating in communal spaces. Only drink bottled water, & don't use reusable coffee cups.
Bring your own food in a reusable, washable shopping bag.
No case on your phone & wipe it down often with hand sanitiser. A Ziploc bag makes a good protector.
Where possible, no hands! User elbows or knee to push doors. Sanitise hands regularly.
At end of day wash your hands, arms & face. Use sanitiser to wipe down phone & leave as many site,s as possible in work.
When you get home, no hugs. Shoes off outside. Clothes off & shower immediately. Wash clothes & Reusable bags @60 degrees celsius.
Need to Talk?
A new staff support service delivered by psychology staff is now available to all employees. Posters advising staff of the service will be distributed this week across the Mid West.