The company running Mill Hill Health Centre should be investigated after 12 health workers on the same team were forced to self-isolate with suspected Covid-19, says UNISON today (Friday).
Locala Community Partnerships CIC did not have robust safety measures in place to protect staff and minimise the risk of a breakout spreading, says UNISON.
The union says that when the company became aware of the outbreak, it failed to take steps to stop the disease from affecting the wider community.
Locala urgently needs to track and test everyone with whom affected staff came into contact, added UNISON.
The union has written to Locala insisting the company report the outbreak to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), so a full investigation can be launched. UNISON says lessons must be learned quickly, and changes made so patients and staff can be protected.
UNISON Yorkshire & Humberside regional organiser Gary Cleaver said: “A cluster of 12 staff working in the same team and all suffering Covid-19 symptoms is a major concern that demands urgent attention.
“Locala has been slow to react to the outbreak, slow to report it and slow to take measures to protect patients, staff and the community. The HSE must review and overhaul the company’s poor practices urgently.
“Locala should immediately work to trace everyone that the workers, who are now off self-isolating, came into contact with and ensure they’re tested.
“Every effort should be made to contain the spread of the virus and reduce any risk to patients, staff and their families.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contact:
Gary Cleaver M: 07973 628547 E: g.cleaver@unison.co.uk