COVID-19 outbreak in hospital’s imaging unit underscores importance of social distancing
A recent COVID-19 outbreak has been traced to a hospital’s radiology department, with an investigation pinpointing a lack of social distancing as the cause.
The incident involving eight people occurred at Princess Royal Hospital, a National Health System-run institution in Telford, England, the Shropshire Star reported on Oct. 7. A follow-up investigation undertaken by the NHS determined staff weren’t practicing social distancing measures in nonclinical areas, and also ignoring them outside of work.
"The infection prevention control team have undertaken quality walks in radiology specifically focusing on nonclinical areas/staff rooms to ensure social distancing measures are in place and being adhered to and the radiology manager is reinforcing this with all staff,” Deputy Chief Nurse Kara Blackwell said in the recently released report.
"The trust is now seeing fewer Covid-19 cases and has had very few positive patients admitted,” she added.
No additional cases have been traced to this outbreak, according to the news outlet.
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Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.