ICYMI: Netcare Sunninghill Hospital closes main theatre complex after several staff members test positive for Covid-19
SUNNINGHILL – The theatre complex has been closed for seven days, as an additional precaution, and is expected to reopen this week.
Netcare Sunninghill Hospital confirmed on 16 May that their main theatre complex was temporarily closed after several staff members tested positive for Covid-19.
Regional director of the South West Region Sandile Mbele said that tracking and tracing of healthcare workers, patients, staff and doctors who were in contact with the infected staff was immediately undertaken, as well as the development of a risk management process in conjunction with an independent epidemiologist.
Mbele said, “These measures include the testing of all who may have had contact with the affected staff members, 14 days of monitoring and self-isolation for nursing and support staff as well as doctors, with Netcare’s assistance where required, and re-testing once this quarantine period is completed.
“The theatre complex has been deep-cleaned, disinfected and decontaminated and we have deployed ultraviolet disinfection robots which have proved highly effective in destroying viruses, bacteria and fungal spores in healthcare facilities throughout the theatre.”
The theatre complex has been closed for seven days as an additional precaution and is expected to reopen this week.
Mbele said the hospital has been cooperating closely with the National Institute of Communicable Diseases and the Department of Health. The hospital has aligned its clinical protocols for managing Covid-19 patients directly with their guidelines.
He said, “In line with our principle of taking an abundance of care to safeguard all who work and are cared for at our facilities, Netcare hospitals do daily risk assessments and screening, including temperature, of all persons at the hospitals’ premises, including staff members, doctors, contract service providers, persons coming for doctor consultations or for radiological investigations, as well as the few visitors with special exemption.
“Unfortunately, it has been shown that Covid-19 can be transmitted by carriers before they show symptoms that can be tested for, hence the decision to risk assess and screen staff and others working at the hospital every day. Where risk is indicated, testing is then undertaken to minimise the risk of Covid-19 spreading into our facility.”
Mbele said that as seen globally, Covid-19 is a highly virulent and contagious virus. He added that taking swift and comprehensive action when a case is identified is of key importance to contain the spread of the virus.
“Patients, staff members and doctors practising at the hospital have been informed of the situation and are supportive of the precautionary measures taken by the hospital,” concluded Mbele.
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