Significant progress in battling Covid-19 has continued in Mayo this week - the sharp decline in the numbers of new confirmed cases in the county continued with the latest information supplied by the National Public Health Emergency Team at the time of print, showing that the number of cases in Mayo now stands at 570 (as of midnight on Monday, June 1 ).
The number of people with Covid-19 being treated in Mayo University Hospital has also continued to fall, with six confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the hospital as of Wednesday, June 6. There were no suspected cases being treated in the hospital and none of the confirmed cases needing critical care in the health facility.
This continues the trend that has emerged in recent times, over the past week since Friday, May 29, there has not been any patient in need of critical care due to Covid-19 in the hospital, according to the latest information supplied by the HSE. The number of confirmed cases being treated has also dropped over the past seven days with nine confirmed cases being treated last Friday, May 29; that dropped to eight on Sunday May, 31 and then to six on Tuesday this week.
It was also announced this week that outpatient services at the hospital were starting to resume.
Catherine Donohoe, Hospital Manager at Mayo University Hospital said they are starting to resume outpatient services at the hospital and have introduced a number of changes to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19, in accordance with HSE guidelines.
"When patients are advised of their outpatient appointment, they are asked to commence strict social distancing and pay additional attention to hand hygiene for two weeks prior to their appointment, or for the days leading up to the appointment if it is a shorter timeframe.
"Patients should attend their appointment alone. In the case that a patient requires assistance and support, one other person may accompany them. Unfortunately it will not be possible for others to enter the waiting area or clinical area," she said.
"We are asking patients not to come to the hospital for their scheduled appointments if they are showing any symptoms or signs of COVID-19, to minimise spread of the virus.
"Patients should not come to the hospital if any member of their household is showing any potential symptoms or signs of COVID-19 or if they are a close contact with a confirmed case.
"If patients have any doubts, we advise that they call us in advance of their appointment to check. This is both for the patients’ protection and the protection of others. Patients will receive information ahead of their appointment to explain these new changes," added Ms Donohoe.
"Another change for patients coming to the hospital for outpatient appointments is that they will not be able to enter the hospital in advance of their appointment time; this is to ensure patient safety and comply with social distancing.
"Patients will be asked to remain in their car until just before their appointment time, approximately 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
"Patients will also be asked to sanitise their hands and wear a face mask, if tolerated, on entering the hospital and throughout their appointment. Passes will be provided upon entry to the patient and if they need support, to the person accompanying them.
"We really appreciate the co-operation we have received from the public over the past few weeks. We understand that some of these changes may be difficult for patients and their families, but our aim is to ensure that they can receive their care as safely as possible. We want to thank patients and their families for their understanding in meeting these safety requirements," she concluded.
