The COVID-19 cluster at Nepean Hospital’s Mental Health Unit has grown to 13 cases.
12 are patients at the centre and one is a staff member, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) has confirmed.
“NBMLHD can confirm four new cases of COVID-19 in consumers admitted to the Nepean Mental Health Centre,” a spokesperson said.
“There are now 12 consumers and one staff member who are positive. The staff member is fully vaccinated.”
11 of the consumers contracted the virus after a consumer admitted to the Centre developed symptoms and tested positive to COVID-19. This consumer acquired COVID-19 in the community.
“Staff working in the unit have been offered special accommodation to reduce the risk to their families,” the spokesperson said.
“Regular and extensive cleaning continues to be undertaken at the centre.
“Staff have been redeployed from other areas of the LHD to support the ongoing operation of the Centre. All patients in the District continue to have access to the specialist mental health and health care they need.”
The Weekender understands that patients had not been wearing masks in the Mental Health Unit. A source says patients were told to wear masks but it was impossible to enforce.
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.
