Vital that East Galway nursing home is immediately supported– Dolan

It is vital that residents and staff at a Galway nursing home at the centre of a Covid-19 outbreak gets the support they need as a matter of urgency, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Aisling Dolan, who is based in the Roscommon – Galway constituency, said, “I am deeply upset and concerned to learn of a Covid-19 outbreak at the Nightingale nursing home in Ballinasloe, East Galway.

“A number of staff have also tested positive for the virus, and it is understood there are difficulties in getting agency staff to provide assistance at the home.

“This is an extremely concerning situation, not least for the staff and management at the nursing home, but also for the residents and their families, who are at home and must be desperately worried about their loved ones.

“I have received assurances from the HSE that it is supporting the nursing home and is working to source staff.

“Additional supports include the provision of staff from Roscommon Hospital. Community Healthcare West and Saolta Hospital group and staff are also supporting the nursing home in the delivery of a safe and secure service.

“I am calling for fast streamlined recruitment and transfer measures between the HSE and private nursing homes and a system for urgent transfer of staff when critical situations are identified.

“My thoughts are with the residents and staff at this nursing home, and I hope they get they get the support they need to give them the best chance at recovering from this dreadful illness,” Senator Dolan concluded.