Cork’s first Covid-19 Community Assessment Hub opened today, at St Mary’s Health Campus.

The hub is part of the significant response to Covid-19 underway across the entire health system.

This assessment hub is for patients who have or may have a confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19 when their GP decides they need a face-to-face clinical assessment.

Patients can only access the hub when referred by their GP. 

"Our aim in setting up the hub is that anyone who needs a face-to-face clinical assessment can get one in the community, as quickly as possible. 

"This will help patients who need assessment but who do not need immediate hospital care to avoid referrals to acute hospitals where possible," a spokesperson for the HSE's Cork Kerry Community Healthcare stated.

Once seen at the hub, patients may either be asked to return home, to enter isolation or to attend an acute hospital.

The hub at St Mary’s will be staffed mostly by GPs with the support of healthcare professionals including nurses and physiotherapists, with administrative support. 

"We would like to pay tribute to the teams involved in getting this hub and other hubs set up and operational for their dedication to patient care.

"More than 120 staff have been trained across Cork and Kerry to work in these hubs, and we have worked with GPs across the region so that they are aware of the referral process. 

"Staff have come from across the entire health service, and represent the way in which all parts of the health service are working together to support patients," the spokesperson continued.

The hub is expected to be open from 8.30am to 7.30pm although this will depend on the level of referrals. 

Patients will only be seen by appointment. 

It is not possible to make appointments at the hub; this can only be done by your GP or by SouthDoc on Saturday and Sunday.