Covid outbreak at St Columcille’s Hospital, 31 patients were reported to be infected with Covid-19

A South Dublin Hospital, 31 patients were reported to be infected with Covid-19. Along with this 58-nursing staff are also unavailable due to virus infection or they are in self-isolating because of close contacts.

Nine patients have been diagnosed with the corona virus since Thursday at St Columcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown. Thus, the hospital has decided to close its assessment unit for two days from Monday.

Due to this closure, the management decided to suspend outpatient appointments.

A spokeswoman for the hospital said through a statement that, at present there were currently 58 nursing staffs has either diagnosed with Covid-19 or they have been into self-selection because of a close contact with covid patients.

“This is an ever-changing situation and is being monitored on an ongoing basis. In line with national occupational health guidance, it is expected that some staff are to return early next week,” she said.

“St Columcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown, are continuing to respond to pressures arising from a Covid-19 outbreak which occurred in late October … The Hospital Covid Plan is being implemented and progress has made to stabilise the situation,” the spokeswoman said.

A national daily has reported last week that the hospital was dealing with an outbreak which involves 22 patients. St Columcille’s Hospital is an acute hospital with over 100 beds serving south east Dublin and east Wicklow. The facility had not reported a Covid-19 case for several months before the current outbreak.

With a two day shut down, the hospital is trying to limit the spread of the outbreak, but at the same time the hospital’s injury unit remains open.

The spokeswoman said that the hospital has contacted the local community and GPs and have asked patients who require care to be redirected to St Michael’s Hospital Dun Laoghaire

“The message for the public is that please don’t delay to seek medical attention. Contact your GP who will refer you to an appropriate facility should require further care,” she said.