Call for routine testing of Mayo healthcare staff

A MAYO TD has called for all healthcare workers working within acute hospitals settings providing essential services to be tested routinely for Covid-19 to improve infection control measures.

Following new Covid-19 testing criteria released today, Deputy Alan Dillon outlined that the present national guidelines do not require healthcare workers in acute hospitals setting to be tested unless personnel experience symptoms related to Covid19.

He said: “Within Mayo University Hospital a high numbers of healthcare staff have contracted the virus and staff are fearful they may infect others without presenting any known symptoms.

“Healthcare workers who are in close contact with personnel that are known Covid-19 positive in the last 14 days should undergo mandatory testing on a weekly basis to ensure each acute hospital has a robust cross-contamination strategy.

“Healthcare workers who are symptomatic and do not fill the criteria for testing are advised to self-isolate for 14 days.

“But with increased levels of testing capacity healthcare staff should now be tested and results reviewed within 48 hours.

“I believed it is the responsibility of hospital management and the HSE to protect the well-being of its staff and arrange routine testing for personnel who are essential for critical services within their acute hospitals and these healthcare workers should be prioritised.

“I will be writing to HDPET and Minister Simon Harris to highlight the need for healthcare workers within the acute hospital settings to undergo routine testing.”

Deputy Dillon was speaking following a conference call with members of Mayo County Council facilitated by the chief executive officer of Saolta Group Tony Canavan and Mayo University General Hospital manager Catherine Donohoe along with other members of the Saolta group.