Minister for Justice and Laois-Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan has said that heart-breaking deaths in St Fintan’s Hospital in Portlaoise “underline the devastating effect of the Covid-19 virus”.
Nine patients died in the residential Maryborough Centre in St Fintan’s Hospital over Easter weekend, eight of whom had been diagnosed with Coronavirus.
The other 17 patients are being treated as if they have the condition, even if they haven’t been tested.
In addition, a number of staff in the hospital are on sick leave, with additional resources called in last week.
“I would like to offer my sincere sympathies with the families of the deceased, some of whom I know personally, and with the hardworking and dedicated team at the unit,” said Minister Flanagan in a statement today.
“This was a heart-breaking experience for everybody concerned and underlines the devastating effect of the Covid-19 virus.
“On becoming aware of the developments over Easter weekend, I spoke directly with Simon Harris the Minister for Health, the Mental Health Commission, senior medics in the region as well as HSE Officials.
“My concern was and remains that everything that could be done was and is being done for staff and residents and that best practice and advice is at all times followed and observed.
“This is a tragedy in our community.“
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