Nine disability care workers test positive


18th August 2021
HNE Health has just confirmed that 9 disability workers have tested positive to Covid-19. Those employees have worked across a range of disability homes in
¿ NINE WORKERS TEST POSITIVE - 3pm Wednesday August 18
¿ HNE Health has just confirmed that 9 disability workers have tested positive to Covid-19. Those employees have worked across a range of disability homes in the region while unknowingly infectious. Like our aged care staff and frontline health staff, these workers do such an amazing job. Here's hoping all of them get well soon and the outbreak can be contained.
¿ HNE Health has also confirmed that any disability workers needing vaccinations will get priority access this week at the Belmont hub. They only need to turn up with their work ID, no appointment necessary. The type of vaccine will depend on individual circumstances and eligibility so those workers can discuss that with the nurses at the hub when they arrive.
¿ Here's the full statement from Dr Paul Craven, Medical Controller, HNELHD:
"Nine disability workers confirmed to have COVID-19 worked while unknowingly infectious across a range of disability individual and group homes in Lambton, Glendale, Adamstown, Gateshead, Wallsend, Nelson Bay, Hamilton, Maryland and Ashtonfield. These cases are all linked to known community clusters.
The confirmed cases are safely isolating off-site, and the District is working closely with care providers Connectability, Lifestyle Solutions, Solid Holistic Care, PHM Health, Samaritans, Ability Options and New Horizons to identify any residents and staff who could have been exposed to the infectious workers.
The majority of the residents at these facilities are partially or fully vaccinated.
The District is collaborating with private pathology partners and the care providers to ensure that residents affected are tested promptly in a supportive environment. To date, none of the residents or other staff tested have returned positive results.
The District is working with all stakeholders to ensure continuity of care, infection control measures are in place and that tailored support services are provided to all isolated residents.
If any disability workers require vaccination, there are options available to them through the Commonwealth program, but we have also arranged priority vaccination for any disability workers who would like to access it at the Belmont Hub this week."

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