Communication from HSE:

Community Assessment Hubs 

Information about the community assessment hubs is now live on hse.ie.

There are 16 Community Assessment Hubs are now up and running around the country, with more opening shortly. Hubs are an essential mechanism in how we manage COVID-19 in the community.

Basically, if you have or suspected of having COVID-19 and are sick enough, your GP will refer you to a hub for a face to face appointment with a GP.

Patient information about the hubs is now live https://www2.hse.ie/services/coronavirus-community-assessment-hubs/

Here is a brief summary:

Community Assessment Hubs are for patient who are very unwell, with suspected or confirmed coronavirus, and who require a face to face appointment with a GP.

Hubs are staffed mostly by GPs with a support team of healthcare professionals, including nurses and administrative support. Hubs open from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. They are by appointment only and will stay in operation for as long as they are needed.

At the hub, a GP will examine you and decide on a treatment plan, which will be one of three options:

(i)  Send you to hospital for extra support and treatment;

(ii) Send you home to recover;  or

(iii) if you need extra community supports to help you recover in the community, this may include some time in an isolation facility

Benefits:

• Assist patients who need assessment, but who do not need immediate hospital care, to avoid referrals to acute hospitals where possible.
• Help manage the increase of coronavirus cases in the community.
• Hubs will free up GPs to treat and care for patients with non-COVID-10 related health conditions.