Covid-19 Media Statement

Updated Saturday 10 July 2021

A non-clinical staff member at the Waratah Private Hospital (WPH) has been identified as a positive case of COVID-19 and we are taking all necessary steps in conjunction with NSW Health to thoroughly manage the situation.

The staff member, who wore full PPE, was working at the hospital while infectious on Monday July 5 and Tuesday July 6, is now isolating at home and has our full support.

All patients have been tested for COVID-19 and all results have been negative. Relevant staff have also been tested and all results received to date are also negative.

At this stage, it is our understanding that the case was not contracted through our hospital system, but we continue to investigate the circumstances with the authorities.

In line with our rigorous COVID-19 prevention measures, aside from the staff member wearing full PPE while present at work, the employee like all others was also subject to a screening questionnaire and temperature check which did not indicate symptoms or any potential exposure.

In conjunction with NSW Health, WPH we have implemented a range of additional measures to protect staff and patients, including deep cleaning of facilities, isolation of close contacts, short-term cancellation of non-essential surgeries and on-site testing.

Staff who were at WPH at the same time as the infected individual and are deemed to be a close contact have been made aware by NSW Health, as have patients, all of whom are now isolating.

We are managing rostering with staff not deemed close contacts to ensure all patients receive quality care and emotional support.

WPH has encouraged staff to get COVID-19 vaccinations and provided support services to enable this. Employees are not mandated by Government to be vaccinated before working in a facility like ours, and ultimately it remains a personal decision.

We would also like to thank our community for the ongoing support during this time and are committed to acting in line with health advice to manage the situation.

Media Contacts

Geoff Elliott
gelliott@gracosway.com.au
+61 488 051 888

Max Hewett
mhewett@gracosway.com.au
+61 432 332 215

For more information please see our Covid-19 page – click here.