GUIDANCE FROM NEUROLOGY CLINICAL PROGRAMME
ACCESS TO NEUROLOGY SERVICES AND COVID-19
We find ourselves living through an unprecedented public health crisis with the emergence of the Coronavirus. Those living with migraine and other disabling headache disorders will continue to require care and we wish to update you on the current situation regarding neurology services during Covid-19.
Neurology services will continue to operate with some changes.
Patient safety is being prioritised to limit the risk of COVID infections. For this reason, most face-to-face out-patient clinics have been cancelled. However, phone consultations are being provided by the Neurology teams and if clinically necessary, a face to face appointment can be scheduled in a non-COVID area if your consultant deems this to be necessary. Please note that this may be different from the normal out-patient setting.
If you have any concerns about your condition, you should contact the neurology service that is providing your care. Please bear in mind that phone lines and neurology services will be extremely busy at this time, and that it may take some time to get through.
If you think you might have contracted COVID-19, please follow the HSE Guidelines.
This means that you should self-isolate and telephone your GP to arrange a test at one of the testing centres. Do not go to A&E without discussing this with your GP or Neurology team beforehand.
If you are on treatment for a neurological condition and you are worried about your risks of developing COVID-19, you should follow the HSE guidelines of self-isolation, avoid physical contact with others, wash your hands regularly with soap, and do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth. If you have any specific concerns, you should contact your GP or your neurology team.
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COVID-19 will affect us all to varying degrees – physically, emotionally, socially and psychologically. We know how stressful this time is for everyone and we wish to reassure you that, although we are working from home, our phone lines are still open. However, please note, you may receive a quicker response if you email us at info@migraine.ie or contact us via our Facebook page www.facebook.com/migraineireland.
We are also very aware that the need for social distancing can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Migraine is an isolating illness at the best of times, but with many of us now self-isolating there’s a danger that it may become even more so. We have provided some tips for you to cope with being at home at this time. You’ll find these tips and a list of helpful resources here.
We encourage you at this time to stay connected with your migraine community via social media and we will continue to keep connected with you through our social channels.
