As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases within County Westmeath reaches a figure of 448 (as of midnight on April 26 ), it has been confirmed by the HSE this week that Clonbrusk Resource Centre in Athlone, will be utilised as a Community Assessment Hub (CAH ) to enable COVID-19 positive patients (confirmed and presumptive ) who require a face to face clinical assessment attend a locally based unit as near as possible to where they live.
The aim is to divert symptomatic patients who require medical assessment away from the acute hospital system and GP practices by providing a facility in the community in which the patient can be seen and clinically assessed by a team of doctors and other healthcare professionals. Other members of the team include clerical support and domestic staff.
The Clonbrusk Resource Centre CAH has opened initially on a phased basis from Monday to Friday with operating hours from 9am to 5pm. However the CAH’s teams will monitor the service demands and the opening of the CAH’s will reflect local need.
How do I access a CAH
Attendance is by appointment only following a GP referral. There is no walk in capacity. The service is designed to accept referrals and to issue appointments within 24 hours, however, 48 hours has been defined as the maximum pre-booking period for safety reasons.
CAH assessment outcome
The patient returns home with advice.
Referred onto a hospital.
Referred to a self-isolation unit.
A copy of the assessment outcome will be provided to the patient for the information of their next point of care and/or their own GP.
