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147 Standalone Chapters NMH Annual Rep t | 2020 Jan Feb Mar April May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total 2020 1132 1003 749 709 840 887 994 998 888 989 956 970 11115 2019 1127 1074 1156 1074 1271 1132 1129 1207 1104 1155 1088 1080 13597 2018 1115 1076 1036 1079 1119 1010 1111 1108 1076 1181 1077 1109 13097 Activity The decrease in attendances is as a direct result of the pandemic. This reserved the Emergency Department exclusively to care for COVID-19 cases. Division of staff between the two areas often proved difficult as staffing levels were diminishing at this time. When services were reintroduced later in the year, all care had to revert back to the department which brought with it challenges to ensure the safe provision of care for all women attending the department. Strict adherence to local and national guidelines were essential regarding social distancing in waiting room areas and personal protective equipment. All COVID-19 antenatal, postnatal and gynaecological women were cared for in the department during the crisis thus having an impact on the normal flow of women attending the department due to the necessary decontamination of each room after use many times throughout the day. The Emergency Department staff also provided a staff swabbing service in association with the occupational health department during the year and are to be commended for their flexibility, cooperation and support throughout these difficult times. Emergency Room Attendences 2018 to 2020 1400 1300 1200 1100 1000 900 800 700 600 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 2018 2019 2020