One-third of all deaths in nursing homes are reported to have occurred in January
DUBLIN: One-third of all deaths in nursing homes in Ireland are reported to have occurred in January. About 4,300 COVID-19 cases have been reported, including those of residents and staff in nursing homes, the health committee said. Officials from HSE, the Department of Health and Nursing Homes Ireland attended the committee.
A total of 1,543 deaths have occurred in nursing homes since last March, said Kathleen MacLellan, assistant secretary of the Department of Health Social Care Division. Of those, 369 died in January alone. The effects of community infections can also be seen in nursing homes.
Community outbreaks rose from 34 in mid-December to 193 at the end of January. That’s almost a fivefold increase, she said. So far, only a quarter of nursing homes are completely free of COVID-19. However, Dr. MacLellan said the rate of infection was significantly lower than in April and May. She added that the measures taken after the first wave should be considered effective.
Increasing infections were reported to be affecting the entire staffing. This is putting total stress on nursing homes.
There are currently 32,000 seniors living in 572 nursing homes, according to the Hiqa register. Yvonne O’Neill, national director of HSE Community Operations, said 81% of the beds were used by private providers.
More than 2,000 employees in 100 nursing homes are on leave due to close contact with COVID patients. Tadhg Daly, CEO of Nursing Homes Ireland, said staff shortages have created stress on remaining employees.
The committee also made revelations about the poor pay structure in some nursing homes. Dr. MacLellan said the Fair Deal Scheme for Nursing Home Employees is under consideration by the Cabinet Subcommittee.
‘Tidal wave of COVID-19’ at Greenpark Nursing Home in Tuam;
Four people died within 24 hours
The nursing home in Tuam, Galway, which was devastated by the COVID deaths, seeks help. Twelve inmates of this nursing home died. Brian McNamara, Director of Nursing at the Greenpark Nursing Home in Tuam, said the nursing home was “hit by the horrific tidal wave” of COVID-19.
Care Home had no cases of corona virus in 2020, but in 2021 the situation changed. In January alone, a quarter of those in the home died. Of the 49 inmates, 35 tested positive, while 12 of them died. Four people have died in the last 24 hours alone. The virus has been found in half the staff at home. He said he was concerned about the lack of adequate staff.
He requested that public health guidelines be followed even after receiving the vaccine. He explained that three-quarters of those who died in the last 24 hours had received the first dose of the vaccine.
“We need nursing help if we can get it, if there’s people out there who want to help we would gladly accept their help,” Mr. McNamara said.
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