When you pay taxes that go towards a public office you expect transparency, however, that isn’t what the ABC, our national broadcaster got when they approached the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) for the number of people who have been impacted by Covid at Coota Hospital this week.
The stock standard release supplied by MLHD stated, “Murrumbidgee Local Health District is managing a COVID-19 outbreak at Cootamundra Hospital. The Cootamundra Hospital emergency department and outpatient services remain open with appropriate infection control measures in place to keep patients and staff safe. Cootamundra Hospital is well prepared and is following NSW Health guidelines and procedures. Eligible patients are receiving antiviral medication to reduce the symptoms of their illness. To minimise the risk of transmission and to keep patients, residents and staff safe, visitor access is restricted over the next few days. Staff are assisting patients and residents to make telephone and video calls so they can keep in contact with loved ones during this time. Staffing numbers have also been increased to support the care of affected patients. Compassionate visiting for palliative and paediatric patients will be facilitated by staff to ensure the wellbeing of patients, residents and their loved ones. All people who attend the hospital will continue to be asked questions and screened for COVID-19 risk. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 you will be accompanied to a separate entrance for further testing.”
The Media Release is marked with the NSW State Government insignia which leaves one thinking, why does the State Government think that the people of Coota and surrounds shouldn’t be made aware of all of the facts when an outbreak has occurred at the local hospital?
The email finished by stating, “I am unable to offer individual requests for interview regarding this statement at this time.”
Why MLHD wont offer the number of cases or why they wont provide individual requests for interviews remains to be seen.
More to come.