Covid 19 coronavirus: Waikato Hospital nurses ‘told to remove PPE’ before positive Covid-19 results, says New Zealand Nurses Organization

The Waikato Hospital nurses who hired Covid-19 donned protective gear to treat a patient with respiratory symptoms, but were told to remove their masks and gowns, their union says.

A Waikato DHB spokesperson told the Herald that a formal complaint had not been received, but had requested details of the allegations “to allow us to investigate and determine their validity.”

Since the nurses’ situation was heard yesterday, the New Zealand Nurses Organization says it has heard from members in other areas who have had similar problems accessing personal protective equipment (PPE).

“While we have this problem in Waikato, I have received many messages overnight saying, ‘I don’t want to identify myself, but this is also happening in my place.’ So I hope this will bring about change and free access to the masks, “said the Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku Nurses Organization.

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Those nurses were afraid to speak, Nuku said.

“Some of our nurses in the early days spoke, and have been threatened with action once this is over. Working under that threat is not okay.”

“Now more than ever, nurses need to keep their jobs, because their partner has just been fired. This is really bad if they cannot speak to protect their own safety and the safety of others.”

In a statement sent to the media today, the DHB said it “strongly rejects any suggestion that PPE is being restricted and that personnel are unable to access masks and other protective equipment,” and said there had been no determined the source of the nurses’ infection.

The “very clear policies and protocols” for the use of PPE are continually updated in accordance with national guidance, which is based on expert advice including microbiology, infectious diseases and infection control.

“At a time when anxiety is increasing, not only in our communities but also among our health workers, it is essential that we listen to those experts and follow their guidance,” said the DHB.

“At Waikato DHB, the guide for the proper use of PPE is based on research and evidence and does not take into account stock levels.”

The Herald revealed yesterday that two Waikato Hospital nurses working with elderly patients have tested positive for Covid-19. Both worked in the rehabilitation of older people [OPR] Room 5 and any personnel who worked in the room for the week until April 6 are now in solitary confinement for 14 days.

In response, Waikato DHB Executive Director Dr. Kevin Snee said that the hospital was taking all precautions, that there were currently no Covid-19 positive patients in the ward and that staff had all recommended PPE and was trained in its use, in addition to Masks available for casual contacts with patients and other staff.

However, Nuku said the union had received complaints from the two nurses, who they believe may have contracted Covid-19 from a patient who had respiratory symptoms.

Several workers agreed to wear masks and gowns, but senior staff told the nurses to remove them because they were not needed, Nuku said.

Nuku said the patient was not screened for coronavirus, but it is understood that they had a family member who had contact with a case related to foreign travel.

“This person came in and, although they had not been tested for Covid, they certainly had problems, enough to worry not only one member, but a number felt extremely concerned [and] they went ahead and took the next steps to wear masks and dresses.

“We are genuinely concerned if the district health boards behave this way and put the lives and safety of staff in the background, to ration personal protective equipment. The message sent by Dr. Bloomfield definitely seems contradictory.” .

In its statement, Waikato DHB said it “has gone beyond best practices” and has provided protective equipment for personnel working in areas considered to be very low risk.

“Masks are available in all areas of the hospital and communications have been previously sent to staff notifying them of availability and use.

“Despite following the best guidance available, it is not possible to completely eliminate the risk. It is distressing to see colleagues impacted by Covid-19, either through positive testing or being rejected as contact tracing is done. We have yet to confirm the case index that has led our staff members to test positive and will keep our staff and community informed as it progresses.

“At the same time, we will continue to follow the guidance and experience of the experts and ensure that the staff receives the necessary training and equipment.”