Shock health scare for hundreds of mums and babies at Sydney hospital
Hundreds of women who gave birth at Nepean Hospital over an 11-year period have been issued an urgent warning to test for hepatitis B after a health care worker tested positive.
NSW
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Hundreds of women who gave birth at Nepean Hospital have been issued an urgent warning to test for hepatitis B, after a health care worker tested positive to the infectious disease.
NSW Health has begun contacting anyone who was exposed to the midwife in the birth unit of the hospital between 2013 and 2024 to alert them to the possible risk.
The hospital says 223 women and 143 children have been identified as potentially being exposed to the infectious midwife, but no one has yet tested positive as a result of that contact.
“The NSW Health Blood Borne Viruses Advisory Panel has reviewed the care provided by the health care worker and determined the risk of transmission is low,” NSW Health said in an email to former patients.
Patients who have had an episiotomy, repair of an episiotomy or application of foetal scalp electrodes are currently being contacted, the email said.
“Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District understands hearing this may cause concern within our community and to those directly impacted. For this we extend our sincerest apologies.”
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver that can be transmitted during birth, during sex and through blood-to-blood contact.
Women and children who may have come into contact with the infectious midwife are being offered free testing for the disease.
NSW Health said it had “worked with the healthcare worker to remove any further risk of transmission to patients”.
“All patients who are coming to Nepean Hospital for birthing services can be assured that staff strive to provide high-quality care in safe birthing environments,” the email said.
One mother who received the warning posted on social media saying she was disappointed in the hospital.
“How can a hospital be so hopeless to detect a disease and call you after 8 years to inform you your (child) might have it. WTF Nepean Hospital, I’m disappointed in you,” the mother wrote.
Originally published as Shock health scare for hundreds of mums and babies at Sydney hospital
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