Covid Cluster Rapid Response Team in collaboration with Public Health Midlands and the Traveller Health Unit at a pop-up testing and health promotion clinic in Birr, Co Offaly
Minister Simon Harris TD speaking at the opening of the Covid-19 Community Assessment Hub at the Mater Hospital. Photographer: Julien Behal
8th May 2020
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The Mater Hospital, HSE and Safetynet open a Covid-19 Community Assessment Hub aimed at caring for those experiencing homelessness and others unable to access treatment
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Minister for Health opens new Hub at the Mater which will care and treat the most marginalised in the inner city
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The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, HSE and medical charity Safetynet are today launching a Covid Community Assessment Hub which will specifically care for vulnerable groups in the inner city. The Minister for Health Simon Harris TD performed the official opening this morning (Friday 8th May).
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This Covid Hub will include an assessment unit at the Mater Hospital and a mobile assessment unit working across the inner city to serve the needs of people living in poverty and those living in congregated settings.
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Coverage Report: Covid Hub Launch
08 May 2020
Emma Coughlan is testing and swabbing for Covid-19 on Safetynet's mobile unit
22 April 2020
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Covid-19 affecting people living in extreme poverty
Frontline workers operating on the margins of Irish society are reporting a "very high proportion" of positive Covid-19 cases among people living in extreme poverty.
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The medical charity Safetynet has said the impact of coronavirus in the Roma community is of particular concern, with many Roma living in overcrowded settings, where following social distancing and self-isolation guidelines is impossible.
Minister Simon Harris TD taking a look at the Safetynet converted ambulance
6 April 2020
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Safetynet COVID-19 response – Update
Safetynet have reconfigured our services in response to COVID-19 to identify, triage test and treat homeless and vulnerable people. Our reconfigured service means those with symptoms can be tested quicker and appropriately supported subsequently.
Homeless support groups making contingency plans for the spread of Covid-19
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Homeless support organisations are making contingency plans for the spread of Covid-19 among those in emergency accommodation and accessing night services.
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It came as calls increased for extra capacity within homeless services to cater for an outbreak, with one organisation CEO querying whether the government should be checking on the availability of hotels or the capacity of the Army to erect a field hospital if required.
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