The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch (ANMF) have made contact with the North West Private Hospital (NWPH) after concerns  were raised by ANMF members following the hand back of the hospital from the Tasmanian Government to Healthecare over the weekend.

NWPH have provided the following responses:

• Safety of the hospital environment after the closure; wards and areas received either a deep clean or an environmental clean. Why was there a difference in cleaning standards for different areas of the hospital?
  The difference was because some areas of the hospital had been closed long enough for the virus to have degraded on any surface, therefore an environmental clean was recommended. The NWPH was cleaned to the recommended standard certification from the Department of Primary Industry Water and Environment was issued prior to the “handback”.
• Access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  NWPH have access to the Tasmanian Government store of PPE thus ensuring that appropriate PPE is available as needed.
• Processes and procedures around admission of elective surgery patients. Members are concerned for their own safety, along with the safety of patients and the wider community
  Management acknowledge that safety is the first priority for Healthecare. NWPH confirm the latest Public Health guidelines for admission were distributed on 1 May 2020 along with guidelines for visitors and staff. Patients who do not meet the guidelines for admission will have their procedure postponed.
• What if I still have safety concerns?
  In the first instance raise your concern immediately with management who will provide support to make safe the situation. Notify your Health and Safety work representative. If required, the ANMF can assist with the appropriate paperwork to ensure safe process.

The ANMF will continue to advocate for members during this difficult time, with further updates and advice provided as they come to hand. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact our Member Support Team via membersupport@anmftas.org.au or for urgent matters phone 1800 001 241. Please note, that due to the current COVID-19 situation, our Member Support Team is now practicing social isolation measures and working from home. Bearing this in mind, email is the preferred and fastest way of contacting them.

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