A Port Macquarie woman says she was twice this week denied treatment for a suspected fractured foot at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
The woman says she presented at the hospital with a badly swollen foot on two occasions this week.
She states that she was asked to undertake a covid temperature test, use hand sanitiser and wear a mask.
She said she was unable to wear a mask for personal reasons related to suffering from previous trauma and other underlying medical conditions. For refusing to wear a mask, she says she was denied entry for treatment.
Covid health information on the Mid North Coast Health District web site does not mention the necessity to wear a mask.
(Current 09/01/2021)
The NSW government website states that masks are not mandatory in regional NSW.
(Current 09/01/2021)
The woman has subsequently sought treatment elsewhere and has been diagnosed with having 5 fractures along with ligament and tendon damage and severe bruising on bones.
The NSW Health Department was approached for comment. Stewart Dowrick, Chief Executive, Mid North Coast Local Health District issued the following statement:
“Should a community member or patient have a concern about their care at one of our hospitals we would encourage them to reach out and contact us directly on 1800 726 997 so we can speak with them about their concerns.”
“Patients, carers and visitors attending a Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) hospital are required to wear a mask to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This is particularly important during the holiday season as there are many people visiting from outside the area. There are some exceptions to this, and we understand there may be individual
circumstances that prevent people from wearing a mask in our hospitals.”
“No one will be refused care for not being able to wear a mask. If a person is unable to wear a mask, additional protective steps will be taken to ensure the safety of our patients and frontline workers.”
“For privacy reasons, MNCLHD does not comment on individual cases.”
The woman concerned has been referred to contact the number provided.
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