Independent review into North-West coronavirus outbreak being prepared, but no date set

An independent review into the deadly North-West coronavirus outbreak is being prepared, but it is still unclear when the inquiry will start.

TERMS of reference are being drawn up for an independent review into the deadly coronavirus outbreak at a hospital in Tasmania’s North-West, but there is still no date for when it will start.

It is almost three weeks since an interim report on the COVID-19 cluster at the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie — completed by state health officials — was released to the public.

It found the Ruby Princess cruise ship was likely “ground zero” for the outbreak, with the virus spreading from infected returned passengers to staff at the hospital, many of whom continued to work while infectious.

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The North West Regional Hospital. (AAP Image/Simon Sturzaker)

Of Tasmania’s 226 confirmed cases of coronavirus, 149 have been in the North-West, and 12 of the state’s 13 coronavirus-related deaths have occurred in that region.

On the day the report was released, April 30, Premier Peter Gutwein said the independent inquiry would be carried out by experts outside Tasmania’s health service.

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On Tuesday, he said the review was under consideration, but would not say when it was likely to begin.

Premier Peter Gutwein. Picture Chris Kidd

Mr Gutwein said the terms of reference were being worked on, and that he was engaged with Australian Medical Association Tasmania president Dr John Burgess about the review.

He said he wanted the review to take place as soon as possible, but said it had to be done at a suitable time.

“Whilst the fire is still burning, you don’t take the fire chief away from their role. That’s done after the emergency is over,’’ he said.

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“In this case I think that we’re getting to a point where that investigation could start, regardless of whether or not we are still under the emergency provisions or not.

“But again we’ll be guided by what’s occurring in our community in terms of the circumstances with corona at the time.

“I did say that I would like this to be done as soon as it possibly could be, but again I want it to be done at an appropriate time.

“I don’t want our best health people engaged in an inquiry like this when I really want them saving Tasmanians’ lives.”

Labor leader Rebecca White. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Labor leader Rebecca White has called for a Royal Commission into the outbreak, but her suggestion was brushed off by the Premier, who said it was premature.