Nepean Hospital has become a major focus of the COVID outbreak in Sydney with dozens of cases now linked to two separate outbreaks at the health facility.
A total of 39 positive COVID-19 cases have been reported in patients and staff at Nepean Hospital.
Off the record, nurses are describing the situation at the hospital as “dire” as numbers continue to escalate.
22 cases are linked to the Nepean Mental Health Centre outbreak, with 21 consumers and one staff member confirmed with COVID-19.
A further 17 cases are linked to an outbreak inside the hospital. This includes 12 patients and five staff members.
“Investigations are underway into how these transmissions occurred,” a Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) spokesperson said.
“70 per cent of staff members at Nepean Hospital are fully vaccinated. Only fully vaccinated staff work in the COVID-19 wards and other high risk areas in the hospital.
“68 per cent of staff at Nepean Mental Health Centre are fully vaccinated.”
Nepean Hospital, including the Emergency Department, remains open.
“All NSW public hospitals have strict protocols in place to help protect staff, patients and visitors from COVID-19,” the spokesperson said.
“The hospital follows strict infection prevention and control measures, including personal protective equipment (PPE), face mask fit-testing, hand hygiene and thorough cleaning of all areas.
“To protect patients, visitors to the hospital continue to be limited to only those visiting for exceptional circumstances.”
The Weekender understands that the antenatal ward is a chief concern at the hospital, but other wards are impacted.
A text message sent from NSW Health to patients confirms a person who attended the antenatal clinic on August 11 has since tested positive to COVID-19. NSW Health has been liaising with impacted patients.
Nepean Hospital has reported three deaths in patients with COVID-19 this week. Two were men in their 70s and one was a man in his 80s.
Disturbingly, 54 new COVID-19 cases were reported across the NBMLHD on Wednesday, significantly up from previous days.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.