Coronavirus / COVID-19

New ways of working

Update 30.04.20

We would like to update you on our current situation regarding COVID-19 restrictions,

We will have a gradual resumption of services on May 5th.

Please note that this will be a phased process. The safety of patients and staff is of paramount importance to us and we are making all preparations necessary. We have sourced PPE equipment and have ensured our clinics are prepared for social distancing. Our staff will be in contact with you regarding resuming your treatment. Phone lines and email will be busy so we ask for your patience during this time, we will be in contact.

How will the clinics work under new guidelines?

Washing and sanitising your hands will be essential. Please use the disinfectant stations when entering the clinic. If you are feeling feverish or have a persistent cough, we ask that you call the clinic first before arriving. You should also contact your local GP.
You will need to fill out a COVID-19 consent form before attending the clinic. The patient coordinators will send this form out to you prior to your appointment.
Children are prohibited from attending the clinic.
Partners (where applicable) can only attend when absolutely necessary e.g. for blood test or semen analysis or signing consents.
Friends/family are prohibited from attending.
Please arrive at the designated time, there will be no access to waiting rooms. We must reduce the amount of people in our buildings at all times.
Initial, return consultations and counselling will continue to take place over Zoom or on the phone.

The Clonskeagh/Rotunda clinic will be opening earlier and closing later in order to facilitate on site appointments. Staff will also be split into two shifts for absolute protection and to reduce contact tracing. Our Carlow clinic will resume services on May 6^th.

Normal services will take place over six days for the Clonskeagh clinic. Our Cork clinic will resume normal clinic hours- Monday to Friday.

The main phone lines will be open from 8 a.m. until 4p.m.

These measures are taken so that our patients and staff are protected. We understand that they may cause inconvenience but it is essential that we follow government guidelines. We thank you for your patience during these uncertain times.

Clonskeagh: 01 208 0710
Cork: 021 441 0900
Info@sims.ie/infocork@sims.ie and nurse@sims.ie/nursecork@sims.ie will also be monitored.
Egg donation queries can be emailed to edenurses@sims.ie

From the HSE website

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus.

Symptoms of coronavirus

It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of coronavirus to appear.

The main symptoms to look out for are:

a cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry
shortness of breath
breathing difficulties
fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above) or chills

If you develop symptoms you will need to self-isolate and phone your GP. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. The GP will assess you over the phone. If they think you need to be tested for coronavirus, they will arrange a test.

For people who get infected with coronavirus

80% will have mild illness and make a full recovery within a few weeks
14% will have a more severe illness
6% will have a critical illness

Protect yourself and others from coronavirus

Coronavirus is spread in sneeze or cough droplets. To infect you, it has to get from an infected person's nose or mouth into your eyes, nose or mouth.

It’s important to wash your hands properly and often.

Follow this advice to protect yourself and others from coronavirus

Restricted movements and self-isolation

To help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) you may need to either restrict your movements or self-isolate.

Restricted movements means avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible. You will need to do this if you are a close contact of a confirmed case of coronavirus and you are still well.

Self-isolation means staying indoors and completely avoiding contact with other people. You will need to do this if you have symptoms of coronavirus.

Testing

Only people who have symptoms of coronavirus will be tested for the virus.

If you develop symptoms you will need to self-isolate until you can be tested. The people in your household will need to restrict their movements.

You will either have your test at a community test centre or in your home.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for coronavirus. But many of the symptoms of coronavirus can be treated at home. Take any medication you are already taking as usual, unless you are told not to by a healthcare professional.

Most people who catch coronavirus will experience mild symptoms. They should make a full recovery without needing to go to hospital.

If your symptoms get worse and you feel very unwell you may need to go to hospital.

At-risk groups and coronavirus

There are some groups of people who may be more at risk of serious illness if they catch coronavirus. But we do not think these groups have a higher risk of catching coronavirus. This is similar to other infections such as flu.

Pregnancy and coronavirus

When you are pregnant, your body naturally weakens your immune system. This is to help your pregnancy continue successfully. It means that when you are pregnant you may pick up infections more easily.

All pregnant women should get the flu vaccine. This will protect you and your baby from the flu, not from coronavirus.

Children and coronavirus

Encourage your child to wash their hands regularly and properly.

Follow this advice to prevent your child from catching or spreading viral infections.

Read this for information on how to care for a child in self-isolation.

Travel and coronavirus

You will need to restrict your movements if you return to Ireland from any country.

You should also follow the advice from the Department of Foreign affairs if you are thinking about travelling abroad.

Find out more about travel and coronavirus

Pets and coronavirus

There is no evidence that pets such as cats and dogs can catch or spread coronavirus.

Interpreting service for deaf people

Deaf Irish Sign Language users can get information about coronavirus using Irish Remote Interpreting Service (IRIS).

IRIS is available from 9am to 7pm, Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday.

To access the service using Irish Sign Language, book an appointment or email remote@slis.ie.

This service is for Deaf Irish Sign Language users only.

More information

Department of Health - latest updates on COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Department of Foreign Affairs – updated travel information and advice

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre – information for health professionals

Our guidelines

If you are feeling unwell please call the clinic first, do not attend.
Please note all patients booked in for initial consults or return consults on site will now take place over the phone or Skype/Zoom.
Those unable to attend due to illness, childcare issues or wish to defer treatment will be facilitated.
All patients attending our clinics should only attend with a maximum of one designated companion.
We must advise that children will be prohibited from attending the clinic at this time

This follows best practice guidelines of Irish hospitals and other medical facilities.

The situation will be kept under constant review by our management team and we will advise you of any further updates.