MIDWIFERY UNIT STAFF ‘ISOLATING’
Workers test positive for virus but ‘no evidence of transmission to mothers and babies’:
SOME members of staff at the midwifery unit at Singleton Hospital have tested positive for coronavirus, and others are also self-isolating as a precaution.
Swansea Bay University Health Board has declined to say how many staff have been affected, but confirmed all those affected were in isolation.
It added that there was no evidence of transmission of Covid-19 from staff to mothers or babies.
Unaffected colleagues are said to be working additional hours to ensure midwifery services continue as normal
Walesonline heard from a source that the outbreak might be linked to a ‘party’ attended by some members of hospital staff, but it’s understood the social event is not linked to the virus outbreak.
Public Health Wales said it was investigating the cause of the transmission.
Jane Phillips, head of midwifery for Swansea Bay University Health Board, said: “A small number of staff who work in the midwifery unit at Singleton Hospital have tested positive for Covid19 and are self-isolating.
“A further group of staff have been asked to selfisolate as a precaution.
“There is no evidence of transmission from staff to mothers and babies.
“We continue to maintain stringent infection prevention and control measures in line with national guidance, which includes the wearing of personal protective equipment by staff as appropriate.
“Unaffected staff are working additional hours to ensure maternity services continue to run as normal across the health board.
“Clusters like this are to be expected given the level of infection in the community. The situation is being closely monitored and appropriately managed.”
Helen Rogers, director for Wales at the Royal College of Midwives, said the self-isolation of staff would put extra strain on the service.
She added: “The safety of women, their babies and the staff is the paramount concern.
“The board appears to be taking the correct action to ensure everyone’s safety, to keep services running and to ensure women continue to receive care and support. It will almost certainly put additional strain on services, as the pandemic has done across the UK, and we are aware that part-time staff have increased their hours to help out.
“The RCM will support the board and our members in any way it can to get through this period.
“If any woman is concerned she should contact her midwife, especially if she has concerns about her pregnancy.”