|
|
|
Pandemic preparedness pays dividends for Hunter New England Health
As testing continues for a handful of suspected swine influenza A (H1N1) cases in NSW, local communities can be confident in Hunter New England Health’s ability to respond to the threat of a potential pandemic in the region.
The largest pandemic preparedness exercise ever undertaken in Australia was conducted in the Hunter New England Health area late last year, providing local communities with confidence in the Area Health Service’s ability to effectively deal with the challenges of pandemic influenza.
The week-long exercise, which was designed to test emergency department responsiveness, was undertaken in 36 sites across the Hunter New England Health region
Health Services Functional Area Coordinator (HASFAC) Chris Kewley said Hunter New England Health units and teams tested as part of the exercise included emergency department staff, population health staff, mental health teams, administrative and support staff.
“The week-long exercise provided a number of lessons to help Hunter New England Health, and in turn, state-wide area health services, prepare for a potential pandemic in Australia,” Mr Kewley said.
The exercise also benefited all health emergency preparedness, including natural disaster response and management of infectious diseases.
“The mock game-play pandemic situation we established tested our ability to recognise and appropriately assess presentations of “suspected” pandemic influenza, and ensure the effectiveness of our potential response and disaster communication as an area health service,” he said.
“This timely exercise means our staff are now more confident and well prepared for the threat of swine influenza in the local region, should it occur locally.
“A team of expert evaluators from the Commonwealth, and Health Departments in Queensland, Tasmania, NSW, WA and Switzerland were very impressed with the performance of Hunter New England Health facilities in responding to exercise cases of pandemic influenza, so we’re well-prepared,” Mr Kewley said.
All 36 acute hospitals in Hunter New England Health performed well during the exercise and most performed exceptionally in responding to a presentation of a suspected case of pandemic influenza.
The expert evaluators identified a number of opportunities for further improving the response, which Hunter New England Health teams have been implementing since the exercise in September.
Contact: Nicole Fuller
Phone: (02) 4921 4477
|
|
|