COVID-19 cases at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) increased from four to ten over the past week, but management there is reassuring both staff and the general public that established protocols are working.
A release issued through the COVID Communications Unit said four nurses, one general worker and one maid tested positive for the virus since the first four cases were announced.
In a “weekly update” to the hospital’s staff which gave details on the situation, executive chairperson Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland said “there was no evidence that any other staff or patients had been infected”, according to the release.
However, as a result of the new cases, “appropriate action was being taken at every level of the hospital” and staff should continue to follow protocols and best practices and remain vigilant in the use and wearing of personal protective equipment.
The update noted that with increase of COVID cases in the country, the hospital should expect to be impacted and this had been planned for by acquiring 7 200 COVID antigen rapid tests for use in Accident and Emergency, surgery and medicine. Bynoe-Sutherland said “other measures to further increase safety and capacity were also being put in place and the staff would be informed of these shortly”, the release continued.
“The hospital update revealed that patients were providing incorrect or misleading information to medical personnel when being assessed. This situation requires a public education campaign to guide the public on the importance of giving accurate information and to reduce risks to members of staff. The memo spoke to the importance of the public understanding that Harrison Point and Blackman Gollop have the specialist staff and equipment to care for them when COVID may be suspected.” (PR/SAT)
