Croí opens its doors to help fight Covid-19

Local heart and stroke charity Croí is playing its part in supporting the HSE and UHG in the fight against coronavirus – by making use of their empty premises.

“Like all charities, we are being severely impacted by coronavirus, both operationally and financially,” said Croí CEO, Neil Johnson.

“For almost three weeks now, we have ceased all face-to-face programmes and classes in the Croí Heart & Stroke Centre, as many of the individuals we deal with are in the highly vulnerable group should they contract the virus.

“With all programmes ceased, we had an empty building which is adjacent to UHG, and we felt that it could be put to good use in the battle against Covid-19. We are delighted that the HSE are now using Croí Centre as a contact tracing centre,” he added.

On top of that, the Croí Courtyard Apartments will also be used in the current emergency.

“These apartments are part of our patient support services where we provide them free of charge for use by the families and relatives of those receiving emergency cardiac and stroke care in GUH,” said Mr Johnson.

“As visiting patients in hospitals is now not allowed, the apartments were not being utilised so we have offered them to UHG for use by ICU Staff on the frontline who need to stay away from their families as part of infection control,” he added.

But he also made clear that the Croí Health Team was still providing daily support to people living with heart disease, obesity, diabetes and recovering from stroke.

This is through their telephone helpline (091 544310) and via regularly updated information and resources on the Croí website (croi.ie) and across all Croí social media channels (@croiheartstroke).

“All charities are being hit very badly by the current crisis. For Croí we are no different, all our income lines have literally dried up at a time of greatest need for the supports we provide to those who are most vulnerable to coronavirus,” said Mr Johnson.

“We are heartened to still be receiving donations from some individuals and organisations who are in a position to do so. We know we will manage to get through this difficult period and we remain available to patients and carers to support them in whatever way we can,” he added.