Surgery unit shut down
The two operating theatres at the hospital were shut down a fortnight ago and will not re-open until at least the start of next week.
The detection of microbacteria in the theatres forced their shutdown and has stopped all elective surgery.
Emergency surgeries are being performed in the day surgery unit.
Chief executive officer Dan Weeks said construction work at the hospital, including adding another operating theatre adjoining the existing two, was always considered a possible risk to air quality.
He said among bacteria and fungus said bacteria detected was Aspergillus that can cause allergic reactions, lung infections and other organs among people whose underlying conditions compromise the lungs and immune systems.
Mr Weeks said air quality testing had been undertaken since construction work started.
He said bacteria were very common in the environment and all unfiltered air.
“They are not found in operating theatres, where specific filtering equipment is installed to create a sterile environment, unless there is some disturbance to the area”.
“We were hoping contamination wouldn’t occur and did all that could be done to avoid it,” Mr Weeks added.
All pre-filter air ducts and filters in the operating theatres at the WGH have been replaced and dust and microbiological air testing is being undertaken daily.
Mr Weeks said elective surgery would not return until May 27, at least, and only after there had been five consecutive favourable air testing results.
The hospital is liaising with patients and consultants to reschedule urgent cases and Latrobe Regional and Monash Dandenong hospitals had been alerted that may receive some increase in referrals.
Mr Weeks said the temporary closure of the operating theatres was taken with the safety of patients in staff as a priority.
Actions were also being taken to minimise inconvenience as much as possible, he said.
The Warragul Bowling Club is set to bowl its rivals over next summer, with the club just one of the four community groups in West Gippsland to receive money in the latest round of funding from the Fonterra Grass Roots Fund.
Ten community groups across Gippsland received funding under the program which is designed to sustain healthy, vibrant communities.
Also receiving funds in West Gippsland are Poowong Football and Netball Club; Warranor Football Club; and, Drouin Basketball Club.
The projects making an impact in this round ranged from worm farms to chicken coops, and recycling bins to fire safety programs.
Warragul Bowling Club treasurer Lester Mason said the club was home to about 120 bowling enthusiasts of all ages, and the grant meant the club could now instal a drinking fountain, giving its players ready access to drinking water.
“The club competes against bowlers from Neerim to Boolarra, and Garfield to Traralgon, so the bowling green is used for a lot of competitions throughout the year.
“As you can imagine, playing bowls during summer can be hard work, and the need to stay hydrated is one of our greatest concerns.
“This will no longer be an issue thanks to the Fonterra Grass Roots Fund – we can now focus entirely on the game,” Mr Mason said.
Fonterra’s regional operations manager – east Andrew Nooy said the fund was all about supporting groups that keep our local communities thriving and make a real difference to peoples’ lives.
“At the heart of every community, there are groups like the Warragul Bowling Club that bring our communities together.
“Behind them are people who are willing to volunteer their time and create spaces where everyone is welcome.
“The Fonterra Grass Roots Fund is our way of providing much-needed help to support the valuable contribution they make to the region, our farming families and their neighbours, and our people.
“This year, we’ve supported some great community groups and I love having the opportunity to see their ideas and initiatives come to life,” Mr Nooy said.
The Fonterra Grass Roots Fund provides grants of between $500 and $5000 for projects and initiatives that make a real difference in Fonterra’s dairy communities.