Investigation underway into deaths of eight healthcare workers who died after contracting Covid-19

The Health and Safety Authority is investigating the deaths of healthcare workers who are believed to have contracted Covid 19 while at work.

Eight healthcare workers have died after contracting the virus.

It’s the Health and Safety Authority’s job to administer and enforce health and safety at work in Ireland.

So far eight health care workers are known to have died from Covid 19, the first in April and the most recent in July.

Two staff members at St Luke’s General Hospital for Carlow & Kilkenny are among those to have died; Catherine Whelan and Jim Kenny both died in mid April.

The HSA is now carrying out preliminary investigations into some of the deaths according to the Irish Independent.

One relative told the paper it’s not about money but a duty of care.

They want the Government to acknowledge their loved one worked so hard and to receive an apology from them that they contracted Covid 19 in the workplace.

The head of the HSE says they’re working very closely with unions to ensure healthcare workers are protected from Covid 19.

CEO Paul Reid says they’re working with unions noting “One of the hardest things I’ve done in my professional career is talking to some families who have lost loved ones in the health service through Covid so it is a very tough period for people when it happens, absolutely for families, we’ve been working very closely with the trade unions, the trade unions leaders, in terms of how we put in further protection”.