St George Private Hospital staff member contracts Covid

There are fears for vulnerable hospital patients after a surgical ward staffer tested positive for Covid. Multiple people have been identified as contacts and been sent for testing.

A Sydney hotspot hospital staff member who has contracted Covid-19 may have worked in a surgical ward while potentially infectious.

Ramsay Health CEO Peter Ridley wrote a letter to staff confirming an employee at St George Private Hospital tested positive to Covid following routine surveillance testing.

“As of 1pm (on August 23), we have confirmed six employee contacts, all of whom have

been isolated and sent for testing,” Mr Ridley wrote.

“Eleven patients have been identified as potential contacts, all have been

isolated and managed under precautions, and they have all returned a negative Covid-19 result.”

St George Private Hospital at Kogarah.

Ramsay Health is now co-operating with the Public Health Unit and our National Clinical Governance Unit to conduct urgent contact tracing of any close and casual contacts.

All contacts will be required to test and self-isolate for 14 days or until advised by the Public Health Unit.

The employee – who is asymptomatic – worked on the ward from August 19 to August 22 when they learned they had contracted the virus.

“All staff and doctors must be vigilant to observe for symptoms, and if any symptoms develop, no matter how mild, then they must inform their manager, go for immediate testing and self isolate until the test result is returned,” Mr Ridley wrote.

“Social distancing during meal breaks must be strictly adhered to, especially when masks are removed to allow for eating and drinking, along with hand hygiene and frequent cleaning of high touch surfaces.”

Mr Ridley said the organisation was working to a considered plan designed to prioritise staff and patient welfare.

“This is our top priority,” Mr Ridley wrote.

“All our actions and robust protocols to protect the safety and wellbeing of our health care workers, patients and visitors are aligned with the NSW Public Health Unit and NSW Health Clinical Excellence Commission Guidelines.”

Mr Ridley also thanked staff for supporting their patients and each other as the Covid crisis continues across NSW.