The HSE has expressed its thanks to Waterford City and County Council for its support to South East Community Healthcare in responding to the Covid 19 pandemic.
An Gárda Siochána, the HSE and five local authorities are working together as the South East Regional Steering Group. In Waterford a number of staff were redeployed from the local authority to South East Community Healthcare, assisting in particular with the establishment of the Community Assessment Hubs.
A socially distance correct, small "thank you" gathering was held at the Waterford Primary Care Centre (John’s Hill) this week - where a delivery of sausage blaas and crisps at break-time marked the last day at work with the HSE team for those now returning to duty with Waterford City and County Council on Monday, 18th May.
Speaking at the gathering, Ms. Susan Murphy (HSE/South East Community Healthcare Primary Care Lead) said:
"We were delighted, over recent weeks of very challenging times, to have our efforts supplemented by such experienced administrative staff from the local authority being redeployed to us.
"There was a real sense of the adage ‘we’re in this together’ and it was public service values in action at its best.
"The Covid-19 pandemic has seen very positive examples of joined-up working across the HSE and local government.
"That’s something that will continue over the summer but today was just a little token of appreciation to those who have been with us working hard to serve the needs of the communities we both serve."
Anna-Marie Lanigan (Head of Service/Primary Care, South East Community Healthcare) also added her thanks at the occasion:
"The small group of public servants loaned to us by the Council played a vital role in getting our Community Assessment Hubs into action.
"The Hubs are for patients who have a definite or presumptive diagnosis of Covid-19, when their GP decides they need a face-to-face clinical assessment.
"To date, Hub facilities are operational in Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford as primary care settings to assist patients who do not require immediate hospital care.
"The Hubs are staffed by GPs, in association with healthcare professionals - including nurses and administration support staff.
"Following review and clinical assessment at the Hub, patients may either be asked to return home, referred to hospital or to a self-isolation facility (when it is not feasible for an individual to self-isolate within their own home).
"The Hubs have helped to cut down on hospital referrals over the last number of weeks and that has been very important, so thanks to the staff of Waterford City and County Council for their valued help in effecting such primary care services."
