Patients who have symptoms of Covid 19 or who have been directed to contact us by the HSE should complete this form to obtain a test as soon as possible.
HSE SUPPORT HELPLINE: 1850 24 1850 OR 01 2408787
TYPES OF VACCINES APPROVED FOR USE IN IRELAND
There are currently 3 vaccines available for the coronavirus in Ireland. Please note that we cannot currently offer a choice of vaccines.
Detailed booklets on each vaccine and potential side effects have been issued by the HSE:
Astra Zenica Virus - HSE Information Booklet
Moderna Vaccine - HSE Information Booklet
Pfizer Vaccine - HSE Information Booklet
The Covid 19 Vaccine is being provided free of charge to all who wish to avail of it.
PRACTICE ETIQUETTE
We have made a number of changes to how we operate our practice to best protect all patients and to limit the spread of the virus in our community.
IMPORTANT: you must read the below before entering our practice:
If you believe you are at risk of carrying the coronavirus do not enter the practice.
Please complete the form below to review your symptoms. We will prioritise review of these forms and contact each individual either by video or by phone (normal charging rates may apply).
Following the consultation, patients deemed at risk will be referred to the HSE test centres for testing (HSE helpline on 1850 24 1850) as we cannot offer any Covid-19 testing for symptomatic patients.
Centric Health is now offering Covid-19 Swab Testing for Asymptomatic individuals (€185) and Covid-19 Antibody Blood Testing (€90) at our dedicated Testing Facilities, more information here.
Please observe the process above to protect our team - if one of our team gets the coronavirus, it could result in our entire practice having to close for a period.
We ask all patients to support us and their own community during this very difficult time:
- Order repeat scripts online or by phone - most repeat prescriptions do not require an appointment - and give us 4 days to supply your script as we are going to be extremely busy for the next while.
- Do not attend the practice for sick certs - if needed, email us and we will respond.
- If you must attend the practice, do not arrive before your appointment time-wait outside at least 2 metres from the next person. We cannot implement safe social distancing if there are too many patients in our waiting rooms.
- Please do not bring companions into the practice with you unless absolutely necessary.
- Please note all appointments are kept to under 15 minutes-regarded as time it may take to transfer the covid 19 virus from one person to another.
HSE updates on the Corona Virus are available on:
HSE information on Coronavirus
HSE information on the rollout of the Coronavirus vaccine 2021
The HSE has also developed a Coronavirus contact tracing app that we recommend you use - available at:
SELF ISOLATION GUIDELINES FROM HSE
Please find a HSE guide as to How to Self Isolate here - what it means, how to do it.
HOW TO AVAIL OF ILLNESS BENEFIT FOR COVID 19 ABSENCES
When a worker is told to self-isolate by a doctor or the HSE due to being a probable source of infection or has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (Coronavirus) by a doctor, they can apply for an enhanced Illness Benefit payment, which is payable from Day 1 of isolation (as opposed to the usual 6 day wait period for other illnesses).
To avail of this payment, contact your Doctor via email (use our contact form-top of this page) who will arrange an appointment for you. You doctors office will subsequently send an electronic application form for Illness Benefit and Certificate of Incapacity for Work (both forms to be submitted by your doctor) to the Department. It is not possible to apply for this illness benefit payment without a doctor consultation/HSE covid 19 written notification.
THE RISK OF CATCHING CORONAVIRUS IN IRELAND
Anyone who knows they have been in close contact with a confirmed case in the last 14 days OR has symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, fever) should:
- isolate themselves from other people - this means going into a different, well-ventilated room, with a phone
- phone their GP, or emergency department - if this is not possible, phone 112, or 999
- in a medical emergency (if you have severe symptoms) phone 112 or 999.
Close contact means either:
- face-to-face contact
- spending more than 15 minutes within 2 metres of an infected person.
SYMPTOMS OF CORONAVIRUS
It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of coronavirus to appear.
The symptoms of coronavirus are:
- a cough
- shortness of breath and/or breathing difficulties
- fever (high temperature)
- loss or change to sense of smell or taste
If you have these symptoms please follow the steps outlined above. Do not wait for your doctor to tell you what to do - self isolate until you know you do not have coronavirus.
HOW CORONAVIRUS IS SPREAD
Coronavirus is spread in sneeze or cough droplets.
You could get the virus if you:
- come into close contact with someone who has the virus and is coughing or sneezing
- touch surfaces that someone who has the virus has coughed or sneezed on
Because it's a new illness, we do not know how easily the virus spreads from person to person. We do not know if someone can spread the virus before they show symptoms.
The virus may survive for 24 to 72 hours if someone who has it coughs or sneezes on a surface. Simple household disinfectants can kill the virus on surfaces. Clean the surface first and then use a disinfectant.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CORONAVIRUS
DO:
- Wash your hands properly and regularly with soap and water or clean them with an alcohol-based hand rub
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze
- Put used tissues into a bin and wash your hands
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- Follow the travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
- Practice social distancing outside your home – keep a distance of 2 metres between you and others, and avoid hand shaking and close contact.
- Wear a facemask in locations where it is difficult to stay 2 metres apart-for example, on public transport and while shopping.
DON'T:
- Touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
WASH YOUR HANDS:
- after coughing or sneezing
- after toilet use
- before eating
- before and after preparing food
- if you are in contact with a sick person, especially those with respiratory symptoms
- if your hands are dirty
- if you have handled animals or animal waste.
- after you have been in the company of others outside your home.
FACE MASKS
Following on from HSE guidelines, we ask that your wear a face mask or covering:
- When you visit us in the medical practice in person.
- When you are outside of home in areas where people congregate - for example, the supermarket.
- If you have or may have coronavirus.
- If you are in close contact with someone who has or may have coronavirus.
- If you are a healthcare worker in close contact with people who have or may have coronavirus.
TREATMENT FOR CORONAVIRUS
There is no specific treatment for coronavirus. But many of the symptoms of the virus can be treated. If you get the virus, your healthcare professional will advise treatment based on your symptoms. Antibiotics do not work against coronavirus or any viruses. They only work against bacterial infections.
At-risk groups and coronavirus
We do not know for sure which groups are most at risk of complications if they catch coronavirus.
But it is likely you are more at risk if you catch coronavirus and:
- are 65 years of age and over
- have a long-term medical condition – for example, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes or liver disease.