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Nursing home staff waiting nearly a week for COVID-19 results

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By Sean Moriarty

 

Concerns have been raised about the length of time it takes for the results of COVID-19 tests to be returned to residents and staff at Killarney Nursing Home.

Residents, staff, and family members were left waiting six days for results after a suspected case of the disease was identified at the Rock Road care facility.

On Monday of last week (January 18) there was one suspected case of Coronavirus at the nursing home.

On the same day every resident and staff member was tested and the nominated family contact of the resident was informed that testing had commenced.

However, it was the following Saturday before family members were informed that all tests had returned negative.

Several family members contacted local TD Michael Healy-Rae concerned that life was continuing as normal at the care home despite a potential COVID-19 case there.

According to Deputy Healy-Rae, they were angry that they were left uninformed between Monday and Saturday, and that either staff or residents there, if positive, could have led to a larger outbreak at the home.

“It was a lot of stress and a big concern to the families,” he told the Killarney Advertiser.

Mr Healy-Rae said that he accepted that the entire medical sector was under pressure and that it would not be fair to place blame on the HSE in this instance.

Instead, priority should be given to healthcare workers as they will need results back quicker.

“It was a very genuine case for these families,” he said. “I spoke to the HSE and I would be hopeful that if there is a suspected case in such settings that test results would be prioritised.”

In the meantime, all residents of the Killarney Nursing Home received their vaccination on Wednesday of this week.

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Killarney Photographer Raises €1,200 for Jack & Jill Foundation

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Local photographer Marie Carroll-O’Sullivan has presented a cheque for €1,200 to the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation.

The funds were raised during a special fundraising photoshoot held last November.


The presentation took place at the International Hotel in Killarney, where Marie was joined by Siobhán Reen, Specialist Children’s Liaison Nurse with Jack & Jill, and Catriona White, General Manager of the International Hotel.


The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation provides vital home nursing care and end-of-life support for children with highly complex medical units, as well as offering much-needed respite for their families.


Pictured at the cheque presentation in the front row are Thao, Dinh An, and Phu An. In the back row from left are Marie Carroll-O’Sullivan, Catriona White, and Siobhán Reen.

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‘Pink Night’ held in Kilcummin in aid of Comfort for Chemo

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‘Pink Night’ was held in Kilcummin on January 10 in aid of Comfort for Chemo, bringing the entire community together for a very important cause.

The event, which was postponed from the previous week, had music from Rosie and Derry Healy and DJ Declan.

Pink Night has been running for over 20 years, and this marks the fourth year that Comfort for Chemo has been chosen as the beneficiary.

Speaking on the night, organiser Geraldine Pigott said the charity continues to resonate deeply with the community.

She said: “Cancer has touched so many families in one way or another, and Comfort for Chemo offers such practical support at a very difficult time,”

The event drew a strong turnout, and the organisers expressed gratitude to the many local businesses and individuals who donated prizes.

“The generosity we receive every year is incredible,” Geraldine added. “From sponsors to ticket sellers and everyone who comes through the door on the night, it really shows the strength of community spirit here.”

The Best Dressed awards on the night went to Noreen O’Neill & Mike Moloney.

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