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EXCLUSIVE

By Michelle Crean

Under pressure staff at University Hospital Kerry (UHK) are having to adapt to a fast pace as they get to grips with the COVID-19 crisis which “is very dynamic and changing by the hour”.

With 72 reported COVID-19 cases in the county as revealed by the National Public Health Emergency Team last evening (Thursday), and believed to be at least two COVID-19 related deaths - one in Tralee and one in Mid-Kerry - the hospital is making a number of preparations should numbers continue to escalate.

As of yesterday, there was 3,849 confirmed cases and a total of 98 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.

In UHK, a patient flow hub room has been established and is manned 24 hours a day, effectively the base for management of all COVID-19 inpatients at the hospital, while many medical staff from across the hospital are being redeployed and upskilled to assist their colleagues with COVID-19 patients. All other cohorts of staff are being deployed as required to meet daily changing demands.

Yesterday (Thursday), the hospital said that UHK is working closely with community partners to ensure the appropriate and timely discharging of vulnerable patients.

“The recent announcement regarding private hospitals is very much welcome, and here in Kerry, the additional bed capacity of the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee will greatly assist in dealing with this crisis. Within UHK, works are nearing completion of an additional 30 bed ward which will also boost our capacity to manage COVID-19 patients. UHK is working closely with the South/South West Hospital Group and national logistics to ensure that all our staff have appropriate PPE to care for COVID-19 patients.”

‘Virtual Clinics’ have also been set up to continue the care of UHK patients to meet patients’ health care needs as the evolving COVID-19 issues have required cancellation of face to face outpatient clinics in UHK. Urgent face to face outpatient clinics are continuing in UHK, though very limited and based on urgent need only.

Maternity services are now taking place at the Institute of Technology. Patients are being contacted with regard to the change in location. Online videography has been prepared for Maternity Parent Education and will be shared on UHK’s social media this week.

Regarding visiting restrictions, women admitted for induction of labour or in labour can have one nominated companion. This companion can only join the woman when she is in labour or called for caesarean section. For all other inpatients, including antenatal inpatients and postnatal inpatients, no visitors are allowed, for patients in the neonatal unit, mothers only are allowed, and for outpatients, only the women attending the appointment are allowed – no partners, children or companions are allowed.

The Emergency Department at UHK is continuing to accept all emergencies and have set up a clear division pathway between normal emergency and respiratory (potential COVID-19) emergency patients.

UHK has been completely humbled by the outpouring of support from the community.

“For donations of medical supplies including PPE, FFP2 Masks Medical Grade, hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol, surgical grade ear loop facemasks or tieback face masks, masks with face shields, goggles, isolation gowns and surgical gloves, our drop off location is Unit 1 B, Clash Industrial Estate, Monday to Friday from 9.30am-12.30pm and 2.30-4.30pm. From there, our logistics team will evaluate same and if suitable, UHK will utilise as part of our PPE replenishment daily. UHK is greatly inspired by the response of retired/ex staff who have joined with us working in areas such as contact tracing and occupational health. Our utmost gratitude is extended to these and the many volunteers who are assisting our efforts.”