Covid-19: Warning that nursing home outbreaks are 'inevitable', as 30 cases confirmed in Donegal home
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It is "almost inevitable" that further outbreaks of Covid-19 will occur, according to a geriatric care expert.
The warning comes as a nursing home in Donegal this morning confirmed that is currently dealing with 30 cases of Covid-19.
Yesterday, 31 cases of Covid-19 were also confirmed among residents and staff at a home in county Laois.
Brindley Manor Nursing Home in Convoy, Donegal says that the family members of residents have been contacted and informed of the situation.
Brindley Manor said it cannot comment on the status of the cases at the home.
It said a family liaison officer has been appointed and that they will be engaging with the relatives of residents to provide regular status updates on their health, welfare, and care.
In a statement issued this morning, the home said all affected residents are now isolating in their rooms.
The home said: "Our director of nursing is leading the care team at the nursing home and is working closely with Public Health and our medical director to ensure all appropriate measures are put in place to contain the virus.
Brindley Manor Nursing Home says that it remains fully operational but, in line with the level 3 restrictions which came into effect this morning, is now closed to non-essential visitors.
Tallaght University Hospital Professor, Ronan Collins says outbreaks like those seen in Donegal, Laois, and elsewhere are “worrying but not surprising."
"The virus is in our community and as community transmission rises, it’s almost inevitable to be honest with you, that we will have outbreaks here and there in nursing Homes.
Prof Collins noted however that Ireland was "better prepared this time,"
Speaking to , he said: "There’s better PPE, better treatment algorithms, there’s a better sense that older people may present with this illness atypically in frailer states, and we, therefore, have a higher index of suspicion.
"A higher index of suspicion should lead to earlier testing, and earlier testing to earlier isolation and limiting the outbreak.
Citing a recent research study, Prof Collins that one in four nursing staff members identified as having contracted Covid-19, had "absolutely no symptoms at all."
"That points to the importance of having a low index of suspicion," Prof Collins added.