Coronavirus hubs up and running

Community Assessment Hubs have opened in Cavan and Monaghan as part of the latest measures being taken in response to COVID-19.

The Cavan hub is located in the Health Centre in Ballinagh. It officially opened on Monday last, April 20.
The Monaghan facility at Crannog Centre, Bree, Castleblayney, opened its doors on Saturday last, April 18.
Community Assessment Hubs are being developed across the country for patients over the age of 16 years who are COVID-19 positive or presumed COVID-19 positive.
They aim to support patients to manage their condition at home. Some patients seen at these hubs may be referred to a Self Isolation Unit, if self-isolation in their own home cannot be achieved. Others may need to be transferred to hospital for treatment. 
Dr Gavin Maguire, GP clinical lead for the Cavan and Monaghan Assessment Hubs said: “Our aim in setting up the hubs is that anyone who needs a clinical assessment can get one in the community, as quickly as possible. This will assist patients who need assessment but who do not need immediate hospital care and will avoid referral to an acute hospital where possible.” 
Patients may only be referred to the Community Assessment Hubs by a GP via Healthlink.
The hubs operate seven days per week for up to 12 hours, if there is sufficient demand for the service. 
Significant measures have been taken to ensure that patients and staff in the hubs are protected with high standards of infection prevention and control being applied.
The Monaghan and Cavan Community Assessment Hubs have been developed by the Primary Care Services locally involving managers and staff; supported greatly by colleagues in General Practice, Infection Prevention and Control, Estates, ICT and HR.
All staff working in the hubs have received additional training in the past few weeks and look forward to working with patients requiring this vital service.