Queensland Health has published the findings of the investigation into the North Rockhampton Nursing Centre where a nurse tested positive to COVID-19 in May.
Director-General of Queensland Health, John Wakefield (pictured) said the investigation found the nurse did not breach Aged Care Direction No. 3.
“The investigation also found the public health response to the case was appropriate, with health officials working extremely well and conscientiously to prevent an outbreak at the centre,” Dr Wakefield said.
“As we have seen in other States, a COVID-19 outbreak in an aged care facility can be catastrophic, which is why we immediately took strong, decisive action.”
He said Queensland Health “left no stone unturned” in taking steps to keep Queenslanders safe.
“We have taken every opportunity to apply what we have learned, including from this event, for the benefit of Queenslanders,” Dr Wakefield said.
“This includes changes to staffing and pandemic leave, pre-shift screening, training, infection control procedures and, of course, swift and effective action in the event of a case.”
He said it was these actions, along with Queensland Health’s culture of continuous learning and improvement, that had kept COVID-19 out of residential aged care facilities.
“I do want to remind everyone, particularly health and aged care staff, to stay home and get tested if you have any COVID-19 symptoms,” the Director-General said.
