Key Takeaways
- More than two dozen staff members at Wellington Hospital’s emergency department are affected by a gastro outbreak
- Precautionary measures have been put in place to minimize the spread of the illness
- Dedicated infection control teams are on site to manage the outbreak
- Patient care is continuing as normal, despite the outbreak
- A deep clean of the emergency department was completed to reduce the risk of further transmission
Introduction to the Outbreak
The emergency department at Wellington Hospital is currently dealing with a gastro outbreak that has affected more than two dozen staff members. The outbreak was first reported last Friday, and since then, Health New Zealand has taken swift action to try to contain the spread of the illness. The organization has put in place precautionary measures, including dedicated infection control teams, to minimize the risk of further transmission. The quick response to the outbreak is a testament to the hospital’s commitment to providing a safe environment for both patients and staff.
Measures to Control the Outbreak
One of the key measures taken by Health New Zealand to control the outbreak was a 12-hour long deep clean of the emergency department. This thorough cleaning was completed the day after the first cases were reported and was aimed at reducing the risk of further transmission of the illness. In addition to the deep clean, the hospital has also implemented other precautionary measures, such as managing sick leave and ensuring that patient care continues as normal. The hospital’s infection control teams are working closely with staff to identify and manage any potential cases of the illness, and to prevent it from spreading further through the hospital.
Impact on Staff and Patients
The gastro outbreak has affected approximately 30 staff members, who have shown symptoms consistent with the stomach illness. Despite the significant number of staff affected, Health New Zealand has confirmed that patient care is continuing as normal. The hospital has implemented measures to manage sick leave, ensuring that there are sufficient staff on duty to provide care to patients. The fact that patient care has not been disrupted is a positive sign, and a testament to the hospital’s ability to respond effectively to the outbreak. The hospital’s priority is to ensure that patients receive the care they need, while also protecting the health and well-being of staff.
Preventing Further Transmission
The hospital’s dedicated infection control teams are playing a crucial role in preventing further transmission of the illness. These teams are working closely with staff to identify and manage any potential cases of the illness, and to implement measures to prevent the spread of the illness. The teams are also providing guidance and support to staff on infection control practices, such as hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment. By taking a proactive approach to infection control, the hospital is reducing the risk of further transmission of the illness and protecting the health and well-being of both staff and patients.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The gastro outbreak at Wellington Hospital’s emergency department is a reminder of the importance of effective infection control practices in healthcare settings. The hospital’s swift response to the outbreak, including the implementation of precautionary measures and the deployment of dedicated infection control teams, has helped to minimize the spread of the illness. As the hospital continues to manage the outbreak, it is likely that further measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The hospital’s commitment to providing a safe environment for both patients and staff is evident in its response to the outbreak, and it is likely that the hospital will emerge from this incident with improved infection control practices and a renewed focus on patient and staff safety.
