Sinn Féin TD for Laois-Offaly Brian Stanley is calling on the HSE to do more to protect staff and patients at St Fintan’s Hospital in Portlaoise.
Nine patients died in the residential Maryborough Centre over Easter weekend – with eight of them confirmed as Coroavirus victims.
“The deaths of over one third of the patients last weekend has shocked people in the local community,” said Deputy Stanley in a statement today.
“It is also very traumatic for the staff and the families of the deceased and I extend my deepest sympathy to them.”
The HSE said in a statement on Wednesday night that a number of staff in the centre have been out sick but stated they had sufficient staffing levels to run the facility. They also said they brought in additional staff in the week leading up to Easter weekend.
“I am aware that there was staffing issues due to a lot of staff out sick and a real shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which is now being addressed,” added Deputy Stanley.
“As a local TD I want the HSE to do everything possible to ensure that the maximum protection is put in place for the Staff and the remaining Patients at St Fintan’s Hospital.
“I have contacted the HSE with regard to having adequate Staff on site and to ensure that all other resources that are needed at this critical time be put in place immediately.”
SEE ALSO – Deaths in Laois – Thursday, April 16, 2020
