Healthcare worker infection rate under the spotlight
by Róisín McKane
 
Catherine told the committee that home help workers were the “unsung heroes” of the pandemic, and stressed the need for community health workers to be included in future planning for dealing with a potential second wave.
Catherine told the committee that home help workers were the “unsung heroes” of the pandemic, and stressed the need for community health workers to be included in future planning for dealing with a potential second wave.

More than 3,000 health workers in 79 countries have lost their lives due to Covid-19 according to Amnesty International, which conceded that the real figure is likely to be higher because of significant under-reporting.

 

In a report published earlier this month, Amnesty said Russia had the highest death toll among healthcare workers, with 545 fatalities. The UK followed a close second with 540 healthcare deaths.

 

Ireland was not included in the Amnesty analysis.

 

Health workers reported serious shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) in almost all the counties surveyed. Amnesty says trade restrictions may have aggravated this problem.

 

The report, Exposed, silenced, attacked: Failures to protect health and essential workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, also examined the treatment of workers and the consequences they face if they speak out about their working conditions or the official approach to tackling the pandemic.

 

In many countries, this can mean arrest, detention, threats, dismissal.

 

Addressing the Oireachtas special committee on Covid-19 earlier this week, Fórsa officials Éamonn Donnelly and Catherine Keogh said over a quarter of the 8,347 Irish health workers who have contracted the virus work in grades and professions represented by Fórsa.

 

Éamonn told the committee that the HSE had to be fully compliant with agreed return to work safety protocols to protect its staff and service users.

 

“The HSE needs to be right at the top of the game in ensuring the health services are compliant with the return to work safely protocols. Right now they are behind the pace on the matter,” he said.

 

Catherine told the committee that home help workers were the “unsung heroes” of the pandemic, and stressed the need for community health workers to be included in future planning for dealing with a potential second wave.

 

“Home help workers kept many people out of acute hospitals. This element of the health service must be a part of any conversation about dealing with a second wave,” she said.

 

Watch the Oireachtas committee hearing HERE

 

Read the Amnesty International report HERE

 

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE

LikeLike (0) | Facebook Twitter