A 66 year old asthmatic woman who spent the better part of three months fighting COVID-19 in Galway’s hospitals thanked the incredible staff, without whom she said she “would not have survived.
Rose Mannion (66), a mother of two originally from Cloghan, County Offaly and now living in Lorrha in North Tipperary, spent much of her summer fighting COVID-19 in Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe.
Not only did she have to be put on a ventilator, but also required dialysis and a tracheotomy due to the seriousness of her condition.
After first being admitted to Portiuncula on March 28, she spent a total of 81 days battling COVID-19 in the Intensive Care Units at Portiuncula and University Hospital Galway.
After spending a total of 90 days in hospital, Rose was transferred to the Intermediate Care Facility in Limerick on June 26 to continue her rehabilitation journey.
“I want to thank the staff in both hospitals, in particular, Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe where I spent most of my time.
The team in Ballinasloe headed up by Dr Hilary McLoughlin fought hard against the odds, as I am an asthmatic, to save my life.
“I cannot thank them enough or the physio team who worked with me also. They’re a brilliant team, I felt very safe there and I would not have survived without them.”
Staff at Portiuncula lined the halls to cheer Rose as she transferred out of the hospital in June to continue her recovery.
What a #FridayFeeling for us all in @PortiunculaHosp today. We wish the amazing Rose Mannion much success and good health as she continues her rehabilitation journey!#COVID19 @saoltagroup #HealthcareHeroes #PUH pic.twitter.com/WEzXbPPhv7
— Róisín Jackman Delaney (@RoisinJackman) June 26, 2020
“A few days into Rose’s admission we feared the worst,” said Charlotte Carter, Clinical Nurse Manager at Portiuncula. “As time went on she battled through ventilation, dialysis and finally a tracheotomy.”
“Rose is truly a survivor and we are delighted to have been able to be part of her journey. We are here to support her every step of the way during her recovery.”
