Published: 29 September 2020
Autumn Edition of Health Matters
As the health service continues to deal with COVID-19 it is more important than ever that healthcare workers get the flu vaccine to protect themselves and to protect others.
Alarmingly, if you work in healthcare you are 10 times more likely to get the flu. Three flu champions give their reasons why they have dedicated so much of their time to educating their colleagues about the value of the flu vaccine and the need for them to get it to protect themselves and others.
We find out how three HSE Mental Health Service Training Centres across Co Roscommon came to the rescue to modify unsuitable PPE so it could be used in the frontline battle against COVID-19. Surgical gowns received as part of the HSE’s consignment of PPE from China were modified by eight training centre Instructors, for use by the National Ambulance Service. They had to be modified because the sleeves of the gowns were too short to provide the required protection to healthcare workers on the front line, potentially putting them at risk of infection.
COVID-19 has presented unique challenges across all settings within Ireland. One of the highest rates of COVID-19 infection geographically has been experienced to date by CHO Dublin North City and County (DNCC). Four employees of DNCC – Ann O’Connor, Gwen Regan, Maria Flaherty and Emma Fleming – told us their story of how they used their experience, networks and skills to provide clinical leadership to support all community services in DNCC.
These stories are just a sample of the extraordinary work that is going on in healthcare settings across the country as we all get used to life alongside COVID-19. Thanks to everyone for their help and contributions to the magazine in these unprecedented times.
Remember to stay safe, protect each other and hold firm.
Joanne Weston,
Health Matters Editor
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