Members of the Irish Defence Forces are providing non-medical logistical support at Cahercalla Community Hospital following an outbreak of Covid-19 infection.
It has emerged that there are currently 19 cases of Coronavirus in the medical facility.
The Board of Cahercalla has moved to assure relatives they are doing everything possible to protect and care for patients following grave concerns expressed about the impact of the outbreak on social media on Saturday.
It has confirmed members of the Irish Defence Forces are on site to give non medical logistical support in order to allow staff concentrate on their clinical duties and to assist in the setting up of the vaccination areas at Cahercalla.
In a statement issued to the Clare Champion on behalf of the Cahercalla Board, Dr Michael Harty outlined the hospital are working closely with HIQA, the HSE dedicated Covid-19 Response Team and other agencies to manage and control this outbreak to ensure continued quality care, safety and welfare of all residents and staff.
Dr Harty outlined the hospital appreciates the assistance of members of the defence forces who are on site to provide non-medical logistical support.
Vaccination of all Covid negative residents and staff will be rolled out on Monday, January 18th. It was originally scheduled for January 22nd but the hospital are delighted the vaccination date has been brought forward.
“Cahervalla appreciate this is a difficult and concerning time for all staff, families, relatives and friends of residents. The hospital has already informed families of the current situation and again we want to assure them that we are doing all in our power to protect and care for their loved ones.
“The management and staff are grateful for the encouragement and support we continue to receive from the families and friends of our residents. We thank them for their patience and support. Protecting their loved ones is our number one priority at Cahercalla,” Dr Harty stated.
Dan Danaher
East Clare correspondent, Dan Danaher is a journalism graduate of Rathmines and UL. He has won numerous awards for special investigations on health, justice, environment, and reports on news, agriculture, disability, mental health and community.