By Jessica Micallef
As the coronavirus spreads across the globe, Sunbury and Macedon Ranges residents are being reassured local hospitals are equipped to deal with the virus.
Western Health operations executive director Natasha Toohey said Western Health hospitals, including the Sunbury Day Hospital, were prepared in the event the coronavirus outbreak worsens.
“A wide range of measures are in place at Western Health in response to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus,” she said.
“Within Western Health we have our own team of highly experienced specialists overseeing our
response and ensuring we have the appropriate level of readiness.
“We have screening in our emergency departments and clear steps are taken with any patient who might be suspected of having the virus. This includes appropriate follow-up and further care as needed.
“Across the organisation, we are also preparing contingency plans in the event that the outbreak worsens.”
Ms Toohey said that to date, there have been no confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus among patients at Western Health
“This is an evolving situation and we are monitoring and modifying our response to incorporate the best available evidence to keep patients and visitors and staff and volunteers safe,” she said.
“We are also following clear guidelines from Australia’s chief medical officer and Victorian chief health officer.”
Across the globe, there have been more than 82,000 confirmed cases of the virus, with more than 2800 reported deaths. Cases have been reported in Italy, South Korea and Iran.
According to the federal Department of Health, Australia had 23 confirmed cases of
the virus as of February 28, seven of them in Victoria.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced last Thursday that he had initiated Australia’s
coronavirus emergency response plan.
“We believe the risk of a global pandemic is very much upon us … we need to take the steps necessary to prepare for such a pandemic,” he said.
