Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Health, Stephen Donnelly, has said there needs to be a detailed investigation into Ireland having the highest rate of infection in healthcare workers anywhere in the world as stated by the General Secretary of the INMO, Phil Ni Sheaghdha.
Deputy Donnelly said, “There is a commitment from Party leaders to conduct a review of how Ireland dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic and I believe the claims we heard today, that Ireland has the highest rate of COVID-19 infection in heathcare workers, must be given one of the highest priorities in this review.
“Perhaps one of the most concerning points to come from today’s COVID Committee meeting was the fact that healthcare workers make up over a quarter of the COVID-19 cases in Ireland and that 4,823 healthcare staff remain ill.
“When I asked why there were such high instances in healthcare, the General Secretary cited a lack of adequate PPE as a major issue. Disturbingly, she told me of one instance where a nurse was sent home for wearing a mask.
“A detailed investigation is needed to firstly find out how this was able to happen and secondly to ensure that if another surge occurs, all healthcare workers, are protected,” he concluded.