Response to staff member testing positive for COVID-19

Update 4.09pm 18 August 2021

The public can be assured that if they need our care, they will be safe in hospital.  

After a fully vaccinated staff member tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday, we immediately activated our plans to prevent the spread of the virus within the hospital. We’ve stopped unnecessary movements between wards, and we’re testing all staff and patients on the ward the staff member worked on. We’re also standing down, testing and isolating staff on the same ward. We’re providing support to any staff members who need it.  

Staff who are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms have been asked to get tested and stay home until they receive a negative result. We have plans in place to manage staffing levels until it’s safe for everyone to return to work. 

Our message to the public is:  

• We’re here to provide essential and urgent medical care. We’re doing everything we can to keep you and our staff safe. 

• We have full confidence in our measures and our staff to manage this situation safely.  
• If you have an emergency, you go into labour, or your child or whānau member is ill, please follow the normal procedures. Dial 111 or our emergency departments will be operating to provide appropriate care.  
• As you usually do, if have a health issue that isn’t an emergency, please call your GP or give Healthline a call on 0800 611 116. 
• Most planned and scheduled appointments have been postponed – patients will be contacted directly by one of our hospital team to reschedule appointments.   

To help maintain physical distancing, visitor restrictions are in place at Auckland City Hospital, Starship Hospital and Greenlane Clinical Centre.  

Personal protection equipment (PPE) is very important in terms of operating safely with a confirmed case and we’re confident in the national PPE supply levels. Our PPE is sourced directly from the Ministry of Health which has sufficient supplies to respond to the current outbreak.  We’re communicating regularly with them about PPE levels and distribution and are also able to procure PPE stock separately if needed.  

Along with other agencies, we’re continuing to investigate and update our response as the situation evolves. Information provided on our website and social media channels will be regularly updated.  

We want to say thank you to our patients, whānau and the public for their understanding and patience during this time.

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