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Rotunda Hospital launches drive-through Covid-19 testing service for Dublin Fire Brigade staff

Same day results will be provided for paramedics and firefighters, the hospital said.

THE ROTUNDA HOSPITAL began a drive-through Covid-19 testing service for staff from Dublin Fire Brigade.

The service will see same-day results provided for firefighters and paramedics who continue to serve the public on the frontlines during the pandemic.

With results available within a few hours, it’ll allow workers to return to the frontline as soon as possible while protecting others from the spread of infection, the Dublin maternity hospital said.

Master of the Rotunda Hospital Professor Fergal Malone said: “Due to the nature of work carried out by DFB and indeed all healthcare workers, they come into close contact with a large number of people.

While one staff member awaits test results, up to twelve staff could have to isolate despite showing no symptoms. In order to maintain adequate staffing levels and ensure the safety of staff, it is vital that frontline workers have immediate access to testing and results.

Chief fire officer Dennis Keeley thanked Malone and staff at the Rotunda, adding that “the same day service will help ensure the availability of our Firefighter/ Paramedics to respond to the 999/112 pre-hospital emergency requirements of the greater Dublin area”.

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    Mute Fiona Fitzgerald
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    Apr 28th 2020, 12:07 AM

    Good to read good news.

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    Mute Tony Murray
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    Apr 27th 2020, 11:04 PM

    What about NAS staff?

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    Mute jonny stone
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    Apr 27th 2020, 11:24 PM

    @Tony Murray: you’re right Tony, it should be a minimum standard for ALL frontline members regardless of uniform!

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    Mute Fiona Fitzgerald
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    Apr 28th 2020, 12:06 AM

    @Tony Murray: Are they not based all over Ireland?

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    Mute Link
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    Apr 28th 2020, 1:49 AM

    @Tony Murray: Are NAS staff not providing testing for nursing homes, why wouldn’t they test their own staff while they’re at it?

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    Mute Stephen Deegan
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    Apr 28th 2020, 9:22 AM

    @Tony Murray: NAS staff are treating, transporting and testing Covid-19 patients. DFB don’t test patients. I wonder why NAS aren’t tested themselves?

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    Mute Gerry
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    Apr 28th 2020, 9:58 AM

    @Stephen Deegan: Then what’s DFBs role with covid-19 if NAS are treating patients and why are they getting special treatment over NAS?

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    Mute Stephen Deegan
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    Apr 28th 2020, 8:19 PM

    @Gerry: Good question. DFB and NAS are providing ambulance cover inside the metropolitan area of Dublin. NAS is providing ambulance and intermediate care transport nationwide also. AND NAS are providing mobile covid testing nationwide. Yet only DFB get tested…

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    Mute Gerry
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    Apr 29th 2020, 10:30 AM

    @Stephen Deegan: you would think NAS management would put something in place to test NAS ambulance staff no?

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    Mute Relevent?
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    Apr 28th 2020, 1:06 PM

    I thought NAS had no PPE in Dublin and DFB were attending all the 999 Covid related calls?

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    Mute David B Kelly
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    Apr 28th 2020, 1:25 PM

    @Relevent?:
    Unfortunately your not up to speed on this matter.

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    Mute Relevent?
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    Apr 28th 2020, 2:37 PM

    @David B Kelly: ok, I just haven’t seen any NAS ambulances at any A&E’s in Dublin since outbreak, I did put a question mark in my comment, as I had heard this explanation when I enquired about the lack of NAS

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    Mute Stephen Deegan
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    Apr 28th 2020, 8:22 PM

    @Relevent?: You didn’t look beyond the big smoke recently. NAS doing a sterling job outside the M50. There’s a whole 3.5 million other people out there!

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    Mute Relevent?
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    Apr 28th 2020, 8:58 PM

    @Stephen Deegan: I fully agree, a very though job to be doing, but I was only mentioned Dublin in regard to the testing in Dublin, I hope and assume testing centres are in place nationwide for the NAS staff dealing with Covid

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    Mute Stephen Deegan
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    Apr 28th 2020, 10:51 PM

    @Relevent?: Nope. No testing for NAS staff. They have to go through the GP system if -and only if- they show symptoms of the virus.

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    Mute Spiderman
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    Apr 29th 2020, 4:56 AM

    Great job to all involved.

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