Cork hospital makes urgent appeal for support as it prepares for Covid-19 surge 

The Mercy University Hospital has launched an urgent appeal for support from the public as it prepares for a surge in the number of Covid-19 cases at the hospital.

It is trying to raise funds to buy essential items including medical supplies and equipment including syringes, IV pumps, and ICU profiling beds.

Emergency medicine consultant Dr Chris Luke recently returned to the hospital to help at the frontline.

He said that while staff at the Mercy University Hospital are responding “magnificently” to prepare for the task ahead of them, that “there is only so much we can do at the frontline of this crisis with the current resources”.

“We expect there to be a big surge in the number of Covid-19 cases arriving at the Mercy University Hospital over the coming days and weeks. This will put huge pressure on beds, space, equipment, and staff. Many patients will need treatment in our Intensive Care Unit, and we will need to purchase additional ICU profiling beds as well as the additional medical supplies. Your support will help us bridge the gap between our ICU and the rest of the hospital, allowing us to provide the earliest, most advanced critical care we can,” he said.

Mícheál Sheridan, CEO of the Mercy University Hospital Foundation added: “Any donation a person can make will help us to purchase the necessary medical equipment, from IV pumps to syringes and portable suction machines to help patients with their breathing.

“It will also ensure that a team of clinical psychologists will be on hand to help our frontline staff through this crisis by giving them the emotional support they need to keep going.”

To support the Mercy’s Covid-19 appeal, visit www.mercyfundraising.ie/covid-19-appeal.