South Australia’s private hospitals are putting patient safety first as they manage unchartered territory with COVID-19 cases likely to be introduced to the state following the South Australian Government’s decision to open up the borders to support the next stage of managing the COVID-19 pandemic in South Australia.
The President of the SA Branch of the Australian Private Hospitals Association, Alan Morrison, says as with industries across the country, private hospitals have made their own decisions in consultation with their respective senior medical specialists regarding the best way to keep patients, staff, doctors and allied health professionals safe during this new period.
Mr Morrison, CEO of sportsmed hospital, said there were a number of approaches being taken by hospitals.
“The primary focus of all our members is the safety of our patients and staff. We have seen in South-Western Sydney how easily a cluster can develop in a hospital and we have to consider what is best for those people entrusting their care to us.
“We know that vaccination is an important step in keeping our whole community safe and we have been impressed with South Australians’ efforts to go out and get vaccinated.
“I think all hospitals are aware that there will be times unvaccinated South Australians will need to come into a private hospital, for example at end-of-life or where they require urgent care that cannot be delayed and there are measures in place to ensure that can occur, while keeping others safe.”
Mr Morrison said those with emergency departments, oncology units and maternity services would take additional precautions with personal protective equipment.
“The approach is to look after the health and safety of staff, but continue to provide care for our patients,” he said.
