WDHS Chief Anaesthetist Eve Shepherd and Theatre Unit Manager, Mark Stevenson work through a COVID-19 intubation scenario in the Hamilton Base Hospital Operating Theatre
Scenario testing at Hamilton Base Hospital is helping staff across the organisation to prepare for COVID-19 inpatients.
A range of simulations are being worked through, not only by nursing and medical teams, but by maintenance workers, food service and cleaning staff, who may enter areas where COVID-19 patients are being cared for.
WDHS Chief Medical Officer, Dr Dale Ford says the scenarios are proving invaluable to assess risks, upskill staff and to create familiarity with new processes.
“Because there is higher risk to staff with COVID-19 patients, we need to ensure our procedures are clearly understood and embedded in the event we have a positive case admitted to Hamilton Hospital”.
He says the scenarios are designed to promote safe, effective care and to support staff wellbeing.
“Based on what we have seen overseas, we know that staff may be required to work outside their comfort zones and previous experience.
We are doing everything we can to assist staff to work through these scenarios while we have the time and resources, to reduce the risk to themselves and ensure the best outcomes for our patients,” Dr Ford said.
Hamilton Base Hospital Director of Nursing, Lorraine Hedley says for several months, staff have been trained in COVID-19 specific infection control, isolation and new clinical protocols across the Health Service.
“The scenarios provide an opportunity to test and make adjustments to practice before we enter the ‘live’ COVID environment. Staff working in multi-disciplinary teams gain a better understanding of what’s working well and what needs improvement.
We are conducting simulations on everything from the hospital’s MET call response, to Operating Theatre cleaning, and how to deliver meals or conduct repairs in COVID-19 areas,” Ms Hedley said.
As of 22nd April, seven cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at the WDHS Drive-thru Testing Clinic. Hamilton Base Hospital is yet to have a patient admitted with the virusMedia Release