The new head of Nursing and Midwifery at the Saolta Hospital Group is urging hospital staff to get the flu vaccine this year.
Paul Hooton, the new Chief Director of Nursing & Midwifery for the Saolta Group, said that hospital staff have a responsibility to get the flu vaccine this year.
“This year more than any it is vital that our staff get vaccinated against the flu. We look after the most vulnerable people in our community and them getting the flu can have serious consequences to their health outcomes.”
The Saolta University Hospital Group consists of UHG, Merlin Park, and Portiuncula hospitals in Galway, as well as well as Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon, and Letterkenny University Hospitals.
There are plenty of opportunities for hospital staff to get vaccinated at work Paul Hooton said.
“We have lead vaccinators and peer vaccinators on all sites, and what I really ask all of you to do today, is go to your managers and ask where you can get the vaccination.”
“It’s important that we protect ourselves, yes, but equally and more importantly we have to protect out patients. So please, please sign up today and get it done.”
He concluded by reminding people that getting the flu vaccine doesn’t just protect yourself and those around you, but contributing on a larger scale through the Get A Vaccine, Give a Vaccine UNICEF campaign.
This means that for every flu vaccine given to healthcare staff, Saolta donates the cost of 10 polio vaccines to UNICEF.
