[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Local Heart & Stroke charity Croí is playing it’s part in supporting the HSE and Galway University Hospital in the fight against the Coranavirus.
“Like all charities, we are being severely impacted by the Coranavirus, both operationally and financially,” says 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 GUH, 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.
Furthermore, our 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. As visiting patients in hospitals is now not allowed, the apartments were not being utilised so we have offered them to GUH for use by ICU Staff on the frontline who need to stay away from their families as part of infection control,” Johnson added.
While the Croí building is now being used for other purposes, the Croí Health Team are still available and providing daily support to people living with heart disease, obesity, diabetes and recovering from stroke, through their telephone helpline (091-544310) and regularly updated information and resources on the Croí website (www.croi.ie) and across all Croí social media channels (@croiheartstroke).
Commenting on the impact of COVID-19 on Croí, CEO Neil Johnson says: “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 the Coronavirus. 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.”
The Croí website (www.croi.ie) is regularly updated with the latest advice on COVID-19, along with practical guides and tips to help you achieve a healthy lifestyle.
If you need support, you can contact the Croí Health Team on 091-544310 Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 5:30pm or you can email us at healthteam@croi.ie. [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”9136″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]