Health and Wellbeing

GP appointment

If you need to consult with a GP, please phone the WIT student medical service Rowe Creavin practice, Health Park on 051 370057 for an appointment. Please note that walk in clinics are postponed until further notice and all consultations are by appointment only.

Symptoms

If you have respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties, fever, loss of taste or smell) - the symptoms of Covid-19 as per HSE guidance - contact your own GP or alternatively the WIT Student Medical Service: Rowe Creavin Medical Practice, Tel 051-370057, Monday-Friday 09:00-5:00 or CAREDOC on 1850 334 999 (after 6pm and weekends). 

Institute nurse

If you have any queries you can contact the Institute Nurse by phone on 051 845671/051 302863 during office hours or email [email protected].

HSELive

For further information phone HSELive 1850 24 1850

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new respiratory illness. It has not previously been seen in humans. This type of coronavirus is also known as SARS-CoV-2. It was previously known as 2019-nCov or novel coronavirus.

It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) to appear. They can be similar to the symptoms of cold and flu.

Common symptoms of coronavirus include:

• a fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above)

• a cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry

• shortness of breath or breathing difficulties

• loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

Please check the HSE website for the most up-to-date information.

Coronavirus is spread in sneeze or cough droplets. 

You could get the virus if you:

• Come in close contact with someone who has the virus and is coughing or sneezing

• Touch surfaces that someone who has the virus has coughed or sneezed on and you touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

• Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and frequently. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective if washing facilities are not available.

• Avoid unnecessary close contact with people showing symptoms such as coughing or sneezing

• Put used tissues into a bin and wash your hands

• Covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

• Make sure children and others in your care follow this advice.

In line with the current health advice, the wearing of face coverings is strongly recommended in all indoor public spaces and teaching spaces. The wearing of face coverings may help prevent people who do not know they have COVID-19 from spreading it to others by reducing the spread of respiratory droplets.

It is important to note that this is an additional measure to help prevent the spread of the virus and in no way replaces the existing public health advice of:

• Washing your hands properly and often

• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze

• Practicing social distancing

How to wear a face covering

It is important that face coverings are worn correctly and as such should:

• cover the nose and go under the chin,

• fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face,

• be secured with ties or ear loops,

• include at least 2 layers of fabric,

• allow for breathing without restriction.

The HSE have provided guidance on how to safely wear a face covering which is available on the HSE website.

We are aware that face coverings may not be suitable for everyone and in line with public health advice you do not have to wear a face covering if you have an illness or impairment that would make wearing or removing a face covering upsetting or uncomfortable. If this is the case please let us know and we will discuss alternatives with you.

The HSE provides the most up to date information on restricted movement and self-isolation. See the HSE webpage. 

If you develop symptoms

If you suddenly develop symptoms (listed below) and there is no other obvious cause, you should self-isolate to stop the spread of coronavirus. Phone your GP to discuss your symptoms and whether you need a test for coronavirus.

• fever

• cough

• shortness of breath

• loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

If you have been identified as a close contact

If you are a close contact of a confirmed case of coronavirus, you will be phoned by the contact tracing team. They will arrange a test for you. You will be tested even if you do not have symptoms.

GP assessment

• Your test and GP assessment will be free of charge.

• Phone your GP. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. The GP will assess you over the phone.

• If you don't have a GP, any GP can arrange a test for you.

• If you are WIT student you can contact the Rowe Creavin practice, Healthpark, 051 370057 surgery hours 09.00-5.00pm

• The GP out-of-hours services CAREDOC 1850 334 999 can also arrange testing. (Monday – Friday after 6p.m and weekends)

For further information on testing please check for up to date information on the HSE website.