“Worried about what’s coming” in the Cork University Hospital facility

Several hospitals, including Cork University Hospital and facilities in Limerick, Letter Kenny, and Cavan, are currently “addressing” additional challenges raised by Covid-19, but are “uneasy” about what will happen in the coming weeks. It remains.

This was a harsh warning issued by HSE CEO Paul Reed at today’s weekly HSE briefing. He urged everyone to do everything within the power of the people to reduce the Covid-19 epidemic.

HSE officials have expressed concern about rising infection rates. The infection rate has increased from 3 cases per 100,000 population in late July to 190 cases per 100,000 population this week.

As of today, there were 238 people in the Covid-19 hospital and 29 in the intensive care unit.

The HSE boss said the hospital is currently “handling” but “very worried” about the outlook, and Cork University Hospital (CUH) and Mercy Hospital are under pressure to activate surge capacity. Confirmed that it is one of several facilities nationwide. And emergency response plans.

Cavan has the highest number of Covid-19 patients with more than 30 and CUH and Letterkenny hospitals have 15-20 Covid patients.

“Letter Kenny, Cavan, and Cork University Hospital have made some progress this morning, but they may suggest that feedback is under particular pressure,” Reed said.

According to HSE officials, the virus affects all age groups, including young people, and calls on everyone to reduce social interaction and adhere to public health guidance.

Of the 245 hospitalized in the last two weeks, 25% were under 35 years old, 27% were 35-64 years old, and almost half were 65 years old or older.

According to the briefing, the high prevalence of the community has spread to medical services and nursing homes, with 1,100 medical staff absent and an additional 800 protected from the virus.

The HSE is also “increasing” the number of nursing homes in need of assistance, one nursing home is a “grave concern” and the other 25 facilities are in the “amber” category.

Reed said the “true line of defense” is in everyone’s hands. “Avoid meeting people you don’t need to meet. Never go to someone else’s house. Keep a very clear distance from everyone you meet. Do not gather indoors. Follow public health measures. “

It’s too early to be a trend, but sometimes you need it.Number of people in hospital # COVID-19 (new coronavirus infection) (# If there is no character limit, add parentheses when it first appears Last night it dropped from 234 to 214 and ICU patients were held at 30. Let’s continue to strengthen our defenses and make it a trend to turn this around. @HSELive

— Paul Reed (@paulreiddublin) October 15, 2020

Covid-19’s test capacity increased to 125,000 tests per week and contact tracing increased by 27% last week, but Reed said bed or test and trace capacity if uncontrolled spread is allowed. Said that Covid-19 could not be managed.

“A very overwhelming community communication can significantly increase the capacity of all systems, which means a big emergency behind the key because it requires hospital systems, ICUs, tests and traces. We need to be sexual. The national defense line, “said Reed.

“That’s what can turn this trend around. More testing capacity, more ICU beds, more hospital beds won’t turn the trend around,” he added.

Dr. Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, said no medical service could withstand the challenges posed by the uncontrollable epidemic of Covid-19. ..

Reed and Dr. Henry said the fact that the number of patients in the intensive care unit seems to be stable these days and that it is “too early” to draw conclusions is “uncomfortable.”

Emergency department hospitalization and attendance are declining and patients are encouraged to attend if care is needed.