A man claiming he was a patient at Saanich Peninsula Hospital the week before a COVID-19 outbreak was declared there is speaking out.
The former patient, who has asked to remain anonymous over concerns that he may need to return to the hospital again, told CHEK News that what he saw inside was shocking to him.
“I witnessed nurses not wearing masks, doctors not wearing masks. I witnessed several doctors wearing masks inappropriately with their noses exposed,” he said. “I also noticed cleaning staff and maintenance staff not wearing masks nor were they social distancing. There were also visitors that were not patients.”
The hospital’s emergency department followed all pandemic precautions, according to the man, who alleges the problem was in the acute care unit — which is now at the centre of the current outbreak.
“A nurse asked me if I wanted to have a shower … I had an intravenous line. She had to cover that with plastic. When she was doing that she was not wearing a mask and she was less than two feet away from me,” he said. “Who knows how many more people will become infected because of lapses of judgment.”
He says Island health contacted him around 10 days after an outbreak was declared at the hospital. His test came back negative.
Since the outbreak was declared earlier this month, 11 staff, 11 patients and two visitors have tested positive for COVID-19. This weekend a fourth death related to the outbreak was announced.
In a statement to CHEK, Island Health said they have taken a variety of steps since the outbreak was declared at the hospital and are “not seeing evidence of further spread” within the facility.
“There have been no new cases identified related to this outbreak since December 18. The most recent cases are related to the initial exposure at the site and are not indicative of new transmission, which is evidence that our testing strategy is working and continuing to identify cases with a longer incubation period.” Island Health said.
The health authority also said doctors at the hospital are “extremely diligent,” adding that daily reviews and “education huddles” are held with all staff.
“Staff, medical staff and physicians are extremely diligent and recognize the importance of proper use of personal protective equipment to protect their patients, colleagues and themselves … daily reviews and education huddles are held with all staff and medical staff to ensure the proper use of personal protective equipment.”
Meanwhile, Island’s top doctor says other outbreaks in the province have been linked to staff.
“In other outbreaks, it’s when staff are taking their breaks, that’s when you are socializing in very tough conditions,” said Dr. Richard Stanwick, Island Health’s chief medical health officer. “You sometimes forget the people you are with, your colleagues and buddies at work that you need to take the same level of precautions.”
B.C.’s Hospital Employees’ Union says extra steps have already been taken.
“The [hospital’s] occupational health and safety committee has been looking at a number of issues,” said Mike Old, a spokesperson for the union.
“Like making sure there is sufficient PPE in place, that people understand the rules around physical distancing say in a break room or something like that. Making sure we have good procedures and protocols.”
Island health says the incident is helping them learn, and they are planning re-opening admissions by Jan. 4.
Julian Kolsut
