The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch (ANMF) have contacted Tasmanian Health Service (THS) management regarding concerns that members raised with the ANMF regarding cleaning of the Mersey Community Hospital (MCH).

The THS have provided the following clarification:

• Safety of the hospital environment. Why is there a difference in cleaning standards for different areas of the hospital?
  Management advise that the safety of staff, patients and the broader community is their number one priority. Preliminary notification was that the MCH would have a deep clean, however after extensive consultations with infection control, MCH is being cleaned to standards above and beyond current recommendations. A deep clean, an environmental clean or a high level clean has been provided to each area as appropriate. THS management are taking advantage of the temporary closure of the Emergency Department to allow some necessary modifications prior to reopening later this month.

• What If I still have safety concerns?
  In the first instance, raise your concern immediately with management who will provide support to make the situation safe. Notify your Health and Safety work representative. If required, the ANMF can also assist to ensure safe process.