Over the weekend we’ve had another reminder of the potential for COVID-19 outbreaks. The closure of 12 McDonalds restaurants (mainly across Melbourne’s north-west) follows the recent Cedar Meats outbreak.
As a major health service – and one at the geographical centre of these clusters – it is imperative we remain vigilant. After three months of planning, Western Health is very well prepared to manage an increase in COVID-19 cases, but minimising the risk of transmission remains the obvious goal.
It is worth all staff being aware of the COVID- 19 case definition, which is updated regularly on the microsite. This case definition is continually updated to reflect current known COVID- 19 clusters.
In another update from the weekend, the DHHS has advised that health services including Western Health will be able to move up to 50 per cent of elective surgery capacity (based on last year’s figures) by the end of May, and up to 75 per cent by the end of June.
As is the case for the slow relaxation of all COVID-19-related restrictions, these planned increases to elective surgeries depend on the rate of transmission in Victoria remaining low.
Thanks for reading.
Regards
Natasha
COVID-19 Daily Summary
• Respiratory Assessment Clinic presentations yesterday: 49
• Numbers of individuals tested for COVID-19 at Western Health to date: 9793
• Numbers of individuals tested positive to date: 104
• Numbers of current inpatients with COVID-19: 1
De-isolation of suspected COVID-19 patients
Western Health’s COVID-19 de-isolation guidelines and associated workflows are currently under review, with the updated versions to be released this week.
Please note that in the meantime, the infectious diseases team and /or the de-isolation HMO are the only roles that have the authority to approve de-isolation of COVID-19 patients.
For all suspected COVID-19 patients under consideration for de-isolation, call the de-isolation HMO, via the switchboard on 8345 6666, during the hours of 8am-4pm, 7 days a week.
Outside of these hours, and if there is an urgent requirement, contact the AHA via switchboard for further assistance.
Use of nebulisers
Use of nebulisers is an aerosol generating procedure and can usually be avoided by using a puffer and spacer. If in doubt please consult the respiratory team before use of nebulisers in the inpatient setting.
Video explaining changes to Western Health's Short Stay Units
As part of Western Health’s COVID-19 planning, Footscray’s Short Stay Unit has been temporarily moved to Ward 3A and Sunshine’s Short Stay Unit has been moved to Ward 1B.
Dr Ainslie Senz, Director of Footscray ED, and Chantelle D’Souza, NUM at the new 3A Short Stay Unit, have recorded a video explaining changes in practices at both short stay units for Western Health, including inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Click here to watch.
Carbon monoxide and gas heater safety
Deputy Chief Health Officer (Environment) Dr Angie Bone has issued a health advisory about the risks of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning potentially rising during the COVID-19 pandemic, given Victorians are spending more time at home and may be running gas heaters for longer periods than usual.
The risks of carbon monoxide poisoning increase when domestic gas heaters are not regularly maintained or are being operated without adequate ventilation.
Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless gas that may cause symptoms including tiredness, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness, confusion or chest pain if inhaled. Symptoms can be mistaken for a flu-like illness. Very high levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal.
Medical professionals should exercise a high level of suspicion if similar symptoms are occurring in other members of the household, and the person reports feeling better when away from the house. People and pets may become unwell at the same time.
Read the full advisory here.
COVID-19 staff enquiries and self-monitoring of symptoms
All staff members – clinical and non-clinical – are required to check their temperature twice per day. While we understand this may present some practical difficulties, we believe this precaution is achievable for all of us.
If you do not have a thermometer at home, you can have your temperature checked by security at the public entrances to our sites, or in the ward environment.
If you exhibit either of the following, contact your manager and contact the COVID-19 staff clinic prior to starting work:
- Temperature above 37.5C (unless there is a known cause, ie. cellulitis). Nb. This advice has changed for health care workers. Previously it was 38C.
- Respiratory symptoms, such as cough or sore throat
To contact the COVID-19 Staff Clinic Inquiry Line, email whscovid-19staffclinicenquiries@wh.org.au and a staff member will call you back. Please include your full name, role and area of work, mobile number and your query.
No Western Health staff members who are feeling unwell should be at work.
New hours for wellbeing hubs
From today, our Wellbeing and Support Hubs at Sunshine and Footscray have new opening hours:
Monday-Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm
Sunshine Hospital – lecture theatre
Footscray Hospital – Mavis Mitchell Room
The Wellbeing and Support email service is still running, so please feel free to make contact at wellbeingsupport@wh.org.au