No Covid outbreaks in care homes

THERE were no Covid-19 outbreaks in any care facility in the Western Health Trust area by the middle of last week, it has emerged.

News of the significant reduction in outbreaks was outlined by the Western Trust’s chief executive, Dr Anne Kilgallen, at the health body’s latest virtual board meeting on Thursday.

In her monthly report to board members, Dr Kilgallen stated that there were currently no Covid-19 outbreaks in any of the Trust’s own care facilities or in the area’s independent sector.

She also revealed that the Trust’s mobile vaccination programme to all the care facilities had been completed.

“This reflects the efforts of the Care Home Support Team,” the health chief added.

Dr Kilgallen said that the Department of Health had now launched more routes for people to book and receive their jab, including at the SSE Arena in Belfast.

She said that, in the west, a spread of more than 60 community pharmacies had signed up to provide access to vaccination.“The online booking system allows those who want to book their first dose vaccine to do so online, or by telephoning their local participating community pharmacy,” she said.

Dr Kilgallen said the Trust would continue to offer first dose vaccination during April.

“But, increasingly, our work is focused on completing second dose vaccinations, and that will continue until July this year.

“We have continued to offer vaccination to very vulnerable adults through our mobile vaccination teams, we are working with GPs to offer clinics where those who may be at high risk of experiencing a reaction to the jab can be safely supported and supervised,” she added.