Coronavirus Gold Coast: Lack of PPE at fever clinic angers father
A father says he was disturbed by what he saw when he visited a fever clinic on the Gold Coast with his son.
Gold Coast
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A GOLD Coast father says he is outraged at what he saw when he took his son to be tested for COVID-19 at one of the city’s fever clinics.
On Friday night, Stephen Gleeson took his 14-year-old son to the Gold Coast University Hospital fever clinic after both had asthma-like symptoms, but the Southport resident was surprised by what he encountered.
Mr Gleeson said three staff – the security guard who handed them both a mask, a nurse they provided details to and an administration staff member who collected Medicare details – all weren’t wearing any PPE equipment.
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“To mine and my son’s dismay, the security man wasn’t wearing a mask or gloves although he was in contact with each potentially infectious person, to hand them their masks,” he said.
“It wasn’t until we had seen three staff members and were told to take a seat, that we finally met people wearing full PPE, who take our test.”
Mr Gleeson received a negative test just after 7am on Monday, but spent the weekend in his house waiting, while his son will missed a day of school while he waited for his results.
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Mr Gleeson, who also has a 16-year-old son who is type 1 diabetic, said the safety measures put in place at the clinic concerned him.
“We try and do the right thing and get tested but then a Queensland Health facility – with people who have COVID symptoms – in my opinion doesn’t even ensure its staff are being safe,” he said.
“What’s the point? I just give up.”
A Queensland Health spokesperson said the safety of people attending any of its health facilities is a priority.
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“PPE is required for clinical staff who have direct contact with confirmed cases or people being tested for COVID-19,” the spokesperson said.
“Face masks are more effective at reducing the risk of people infecting others, rather than protecting people from viruses. That’s why masks are mandatory for people getting tested.
“The risk of being infected, or passing on an infection, is very low for staff who perform non-clinical duties, including administrative tasks.
“All Queensland Health facilities and the health of all workers at public fever clinics is closely monitored to protect themselves and the public. This includes testing when required.”
Originally published as Coronavirus Gold Coast: Lack of PPE at fever clinic angers father