A British study has found that workers in the health care system were seven times more likely to develop a “severe COVID-19 infection”.
The study, conducted by the University of Glasgow and published in the BMJ Occupational and Environmental Medicine journal, found that healthcare workers were seven times more likely to develop a COVID-19 infection resulting in hospitalisation or death compared to non-essential workers.
Social care workers, such as aged care and home care workers, were also found to be two and a half times as likely to develop severe infection compared to the non-essential worker cohort.
The study provides strong evidence of increased risk to healthcare workers – including nurses and midwives – as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need for further support for the professions.
The researchers indicated that their study “reinforce[d] the need for adequate health and safety arrangements and provision of PPE for essential workers.”
The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association is continuing its campaign for safer workplaces for nurses and midwives in NSW, including for adequate PPE. To find out more, visit their website.