Tate Papworth
Twenty-four Sunshine Hospital staff have been forced into isolation after a patient who underwent emergency surgery later tested positive for COVID-19.
The patient presented to the hospital on Thursday and had no known risk factors or any symptoms of COVID-19.
At the weekend, the patient developed a mild cough and was tested for COVID-19, returning a positive result.
Western Heath said impacted staff are now self isolating as a precaution and testing is underway
No other patients have been identified as close contacts of the patient.
Western Health executive director operations Natasha Toohey said no chances were being taken.
“All staff at Western Health have access to face masks, eye protection and other required Personal Protective Equipment,” Ms Toohey said
“The safety of our staff is paramount and Western Health took immediate action in response to this positive result.
“This included contact tracing of staff and notifying DHHS [Department of Health and Human Services].”
