A British study has found that household members of health staff were twice as likely to be hospitalised due to a COVID-19 infection as compared to the general population. 

The cohort study conducted by the University of Glasgow found that those who lived with health workers were at greater risk of both contracting COVID-19 and of developing severe symptoms requiring hospitalisation or resulting in death.  

The study utilised data from Scotland’s National Health Service (NHS), which covered over 300,000 health workers and their household members. 

It found that over a sixth – or 17.2% – of hospital admissions to the Scottish NHS were of health workers or their household members. 

Of these, 2.5% of health workers and 12.9% of their household members ultimately succumbed to the disease.  

The study highlights the incredible risk that COVID-19 places nurses and midwives under, as well as their families. It also highlights the need for protective measures to be put in place for health workers against COVID-19 infection, including adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). 

Dr David McAllister of the University of Glasgow said that : “It is vital that we understand the risks associated with COVID-19 for them and their families.” 

This research “can help us to take action to protect those staff at greatest risk as we work through this pandemic,” he continues. 

The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association is continuing its fight for safer workplaces through COVID-19, including for the adequate provision of PPE. You can read more about the campaign here.