Safety & Quality Account 2020-21 | 2021-22 Future Priorities

Healthy people

COVID-19: A New Challenge for WSLHD WSLHD Safety & Quality Account

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present significant challenges across the world and in Australia.

WSLHD is embracing technology to overcome barriers and ensure all patients are cared for throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Interpreter Services is one example of a team that is utilising technology to keep staff safe while interpreting vital healthcare information to patients in 120 different languages. Telehealth has also been utilised to great effect by the WSLHD Public Health Unit as part of the daily check-ups with COVID-19 patients recovering at home. In support of ensuring the safety of our elderly, WSLHD was involved in the assessment of 62 Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF) to ensure that their individual Outbreak Management Plans would be adaptable for any COVID-19 outbreaks. RACFS were provided a site specific assessment summary, including feedback on areas for improvement across the main themes of infection prevention and control principles, education, workforce and equipment and resources. Weekly webinars were also commenced to support facilities and ensure preparedness and compliance with COVID-19 restrictions.

Our response to the pandemic in Western Sydney has required collaborative and innovative changes in models of care to ensure a safe environment is maintained for our workforce and our patients. As part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the WSLHD Public Health Unit has worked in collaboration with the State Health Emergency Operations Centre (SHEOC) and the NSW Ministry of Health to respond to any COVID-19 outbreaks. This has involved the establishment of many walk-in and drive-through COVID-19 testing clinics, the re- deployment of staff to assist with contact tracing, swabbing, vaccinations and coverage of increased operational hours. Our District has also been at the forefront of supporting the mass vaccination of health staff and the general public, with the establishment of the COVID-19 vaccination hubs at Blacktown and Westmead Hospitals continuing to provide this essential service seven days a week. We have also supported a number of vaccination pop up clinics to target our vulnerable and priority populations.

PHOTOS: Left: Qudos Vaccination Centre 200K Jabs. Right: WSLHD outreach

COVID-19 Vaccination Gallipoli Mosque Auburn. Left to right: Shirin Al Rabii (Reg Nurse), Hacer Korkut (Patient).

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