NSW Health has provided us with their response to the COVID 19 pandemic.

In relation to this issue raised regarding NSW Health’s operational response to the novel coronavirus (COVID 19) and the EDs preparedness for an influx of patients, NSW Health has existing policies in place to address this should the need arise.

Please refer to:

• GL2014_003 Public Health Workforce Surge Guidelines
• PD2016_016 NSW Health Influenza Pandemic Plan

Patient care areas are all areas of hospitals and facilities where direct patient care is delivered.  Staff that are required to be excluded from patient care areas for 14 days if they have been to mainland China before 1 Feb are not able to enter patient care areas, nor to be involved in any diagnostic or treatment procedures that are performed directly on the patient.   After the exclusion period of 14 days, staff are able to return to work in patient care areas.

If required to exclude from patient care areas for 14 days:

• Pathology – Staff are able to perform diagnostic procedures if not performed directly on the patient.
• Food preparation – Staff are able to prepare food, but cannot deliver the food to patients as this would involve entering a patient care area.
• Linen – Staff cannot carry or remove linen from a patient care area.
• Sterilising – Staff can sterilise equipment, but cannot enter patient care areas to retrieve the equipment.
• Ambulance stations where patient equipment is stored/packed – Staff can enter ambulance stations where patient equipment is stored/packed.