Inverell Hospital review completed
13 November 2009
Hunter New England Health has completed its initial investigation of infection control procedures in Inverell Hospital’s operating theatre.
The investigation was initiated immediately after an infection control breach was identified at the hospital in August 2009.
The breach involved the re-use of single-use devices for administering sedation during some gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedures. Upon learning of the breach, HNE Health immediately stopped the practice.
All 218 patients involved have been contacted and provided support, and all but one person has had follow-up blood tests; this person has declined testing on the basis of personal choice.
While almost half of the patients involved have been given the all-clear, there will be some who will need retesting in 3 to 6 months. All patients will receive a letter from Inverell Hospital during the next week to explain whether or not they need any follow-up tests, and an appropriate time for these tests.
HNE Health’s Director of Operations Primary and Community Networks, Scott McLachlan, said Hunter New England Health regrets that this breach occurred and apologised for any distress this incident may have caused patients and their families.
“We would like to thank patients and their families for their ongoing understanding. We recognise they may be experiencing some anxiety in the lead-up to retesting but I should stress there has been no indication that any cross infection has occurred,” Mr McLachlan said.
“It has been a difficult time for all involved, and Inverell Hospital staff in particular should be proud of the level of cooperation and involvement they have dedicated to the investigation process so far.
“I want to reinforce that I have complete confidence in Inverell Hospital staff. I know they do great job and that they provide very good clinical care to patients.”
After extensive consultation with hospital staff and on advice of the experts in the review team, a range of recommendations have been made following the investigation. These include:
• An audit and review of protocols and current practices within the operating theatre has been completed. The audit demonstrated that this breach was an isolated incident, and that all other aspects of Inverell Hospital’s current operating theatre care complies with strict infection control procedures.
• HNE Health will be ensuring that any new equipment which is introduced into Inverell Hospital’s operating theatre undergoes an assessment of how staff deliver its associated treatment. This will ensure patient safety is not compromised when new procedures are introduced.
• All current and future staff will undergo a revised, thorough orientation program before commencing work in the operating theatre. All staff involved in providing care within the operating theatre - including surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses - will be assessed to ensure that their training and expertise are at an appropriate level. Such reviews will be ongoing.
• As the investigation gave us the opportunity to look at gaps in the hospital’s training schedule, education relating to both infection control and adherence to policies and procedures will be made available to staff as a matter of priority. One area of training we will be exploring is the option of rotating team members to a larger regional hospital to further enhance their skills and knowledge.
“Patient care and safety are our highest priorities and these recommendations will further improve our health care services,” Mr McLachlan said.
“I have been encouraged by the enthusiasm and cooperation of Inverell Hospital staff during the investigation, as well as their willingness to further develop the services they provide to the local community.”
During the coming weeks and months, Hunter New England Health will continue to work with affected patients and their local GPs, and offer support and advice where needed.
An information line for affected patients and their families remains open. The number is 1300 811 552.
Contact: Carisa Green
Phone: 0428 106 183