No punishments for sterilisation blunders
Nobody will be punished for two sterilisation blunders at a Queensland school, it has been revealed.
Dr Adrian Nowitzke, the CEO if the Gold Coast Health District, has announced that nobody will be penalised following an investigation into the breaches of sterilisation, which occurred last September and November at a dental clinic at the Musgrave Hill school. The blunder caused chaos in the area, as it was revealed that instruments had not been fully sterilised. Parents worried for the safety of their children and many children underwent blood tests to check they had not contracted any infections.
Dr Nowitzke said that the cause of the breaches was indeed human error; however, no individuals will face punishment. In light of the incident and a similar incident at the Bundaberg hospital, which happened just weeks before, sterilisation processes in the region have been tightened and new regulations have been introduced.
Dr Nowitzke went on to say that processes will be monitored closely to see if any more improvements can be made. He is regretful that the incidents came about but admits that it is possible for anyone to make a mistake. The children who were affected by the blunder have all been given the all-clear from blood test results; staff will now learn from their mistakes and move forward to ensure they provide the public with the best possible standards of care.
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