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Three nurses at Waitākere Hospital probably contracted Covid-19 on a stressful day when one patient died and others were sick and confused, Waitematā DHB says.
A report has been released after an urgent review of three nurses who contracted the disease while caring for patients from St Margarets Rest Home at Waitākere Hospital.
Four nurses later contracted the virus.
The review has described poorly adjusted personal protective equipment (PPE), nurses who need to remove it several times a day, and very stressful nursing situations.
The report did not give a definitive answer to how the three nurses initially caught Covid-19, but Waitematā DHB Deputy Executive Director Andrew Brant said Control I had a strong clue of what happened.
“The patients had deteriorated clinically and as a result there were a lot of room entrances and exits, and that’s where I think it’s most likely, but that’s not for us to determine, that’s determined by public health.” ,” he said.
Dr. Brant apologized to the nurses, saying that better systems were needed.
He praised the nurses for providing exceptional care to the six residents of St. Margaret’s Rest Home, but the report shows a grim picture of the realities in the Waitākere Hospital ward, which was unprepared to care for patients with high-care needs. with Covid- 19)
An entry in the report said: “Monday, April 20, was a particularly busy and challenging day for staff, with a patient who deteriorated rapidly during the day and oxygen requirements increased progressively.
“One of the patients passed away and had to be placed in a waterproof body bag, which was a different bag than the standard body bag. This was a particularly stressful time for staff since some patients were ill , confused, incontinent and require complete attention.
“This was the only time that the three nurses who tested positive for Covid-19 worked in the room on the same day.”
Dr. Brant said Control understaffing was not a contributing problem.
“There was consistency between all of the interviewees, they thought there were enough staff and a good mix of cases at the time. One thing … which is a lesson to learn from that is to make sure we fully implement a buddy system.”
“What that means is that every time someone actually puts on their PPE, they are watched and checked before they go in and out, and care for the patients.”
Another entry in the report read: “There were problems with the usability of the PPE kit that was supplied regionally: the velcro tabs on the robes were easily loosened creating gaps on the back.
“The initial glasses provided were a frame with removable lenses. The lens was hard plastic that could move when removed. Initially, the lens of the glasses needed to be cleaned, and a few days later alternative lenses containing a disposable lens were provided. Goggles changed to glasses that don’t fit some staff members with staff wearing a tie to keep the goggles in place. “
However, Dr. Brant argued that there was no problem with the quality of the PPE, but the buddy system was necessary to ensure correct use of the equipment.
