03/04/2012

Six Die From Respiratory Illness In Donegal Nursing Home

It was reported to the HSE last night that six deaths have occurred in a private nursing home in Buncrana, Co Donegal between the 22nd March and the 2nd April 2012.

Five of these deaths occurred in a cluster over the past five days. It has been reported that these deaths may have been as a result of a respiratory type illness.

The HSE is fully investigating the matter and all appropriate treatment and control measures have been put in place.

All residents in the nursing home are currently receiving either active or preventative treatment.

Dr Peter Wright, Director of Public Health, HSE North West said: "The Public Health Department in HSE North West is closely managing and monitoring the situation. Respiratory illness is a common cause of death in older people. The Public Health team will work closely with the Nursing Home management to determine the nature of the illness. Samples have been sent to the National Viral Reference Laboratory for determination."

The HSE’s Public Health Departments request that GPs report unusual clusters of respiratory illness.

(GK)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

27 January 2016
Funding Secured For Co Mayo Nursing Homes
The government have announced funding of €15 million for nursing homes in Co Mayo, which Taoiseach Enda Kenny said will make a "significant difference for elderly people in our communities". Announcing the funding, the Taoiseach said: "Six Nursing Homes in Mayo are to receive a total of €15,070,000 in funding for upgrades and refurbishment.
03 November 2011
Abbeyleix Community Nursing Home Winds Down
It has been confirmed that Abbeyleix Community Nursing Unit Co. Laois will close on a phased basis. Consultations with the residents and their families in relation to alternative arrangements that will take account of each individual’s circumstances started with the Health Service Executive (HSE) yesterday.
09 September 2014
Varadkar Announces New CNO Appointees
Minister for Health Leo Varadkar has announced the appointment of three Deputy Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) in the Department, focusing on primary care and women's health, policy and education, and patient safety.
18 August 2016
HSE Urged To Honour Prescription Charges Refunds
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has been urged to honour its commitment to refund prescription charges for new recipients of a Long-Term Illness Card. People with certain long term illnesses, such as diabetes, can apply for a Long-Term Illness Card to help cover the cost of medicines.
05 June 2013
FSA Issued 19 Orders In May
Nineteen enforcement orders were issued by the Food Safety Authority (FSA) in May; 15 closure orders were issued, alongside two improvement orders and two prohibition orders. One food establishment was prosecuted.