The Communications Workers' Union (CWU) is donating €70,000 for the purchase of ‘Propolis’ cream to counter the damaging effects on skin due to the prolonged wearing of PPE by frontline nursing staff treating patients with COVID-19. 

Pictured at the first handover of the Propolis cream product to nurses at Naas General Hospital are (left to right): Bríd Crennan, Assistant Director of Nursing at Naas General Hospital; Steve Fitzpatrick, General Secretary of the CWU; Naas Postman, Gary Houlihan and Phíl Ní Sheaghdha, General Secretary of the INMO.
Pictured at the first handover of the Propolis cream product to nurses at Naas General Hospital are (left to right): Bríd Crennan, Assistant Director of Nursing at Naas General Hospital; Steve Fitzpatrick, General Secretary of the CWU; Naas Postman, Gary Houlihan and Phíl Ní Sheaghdha, General Secretary of the INMO.

Nurses treating patients with COVID-19 must wear PPE, including face masks and visors while continuously washing and sanitizing their hands to help prevent contact and spread of the virus. Prolonged use of PPE can damage skin and cause irritation and sometimes skin breakage. Propolis cream is a recognised, non-chemical cream that can relieve irritation from skin rash caused from the use of PPE.

Commenting, CWU General Secretary, Steve Fitzpatrick, said:

“The whole nation has been in awe of the courage, dedication and sheer professionalism of front line medical staff, including our nurses, doctors, ambulance paramedics and other care givers treating patients throughout this health emergency, often in the face of a significant threat to personal safety.

“This relatively small donation by the Union is as a result of numerous requests from branches and postal and communications workers across the country to recognise this amazing contribution in a very practical way. The choice of Propolis cream has come from discussions with the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) and we are delighted to be working with them on this initiative in securing a supply of Propolis cream and in its distribution to frontline nurses.” 

The distribution of Propolis cream to hospitals is being organised through the INMO with the assistance of local CWU Branches.