Resthome staff accused of poor care after deaths

A warning sign displayed on a door at a Whangarei resthome which was affected by norovirus. Photo / Kenny Rodgers

Resthome health and safety procedures are under the spotlight during a deadly outbreak of the norovirus in Northland.

Two elderly people are dead after the killer virus swept through five Northland resthomes in the last month.

Northland Health has recorded 298 cases of norovirus, with a dozen resthome patients still being kept in isolation.

The highly contagious virus was linked to the death of Betty Friend, who died on May 5 at Puriri Court Resthome.

It also claimed the life of 73-year-old Ian Grant at the Jane Mander Retirement Village on April 27.

A source familiar with the Northland outbreak said there had been concern about whether resthome staff had followed proper isolation procedures.

One man had a muscle wasting condition and was confined to his unit.

"The staff looking after (him) didn't wear protective gowns or masks. People visiting ... weren't given gowns and masks to wear," he said.

The only precaution staff took was an alcohol sanitiser for their hands, which the man said did not protect for norovirus. "The only way he could have contracted norovirus was through a staff member," he said.

However, the managing director one of the leading resthome providers, Ryman Health Care, dismissed the allegations.

His staff had been commended by the Northland Medical Officer of Health for following correct health and safety measures during the outbreak.

"They made it very clear that we handled it well. For anyone to say that they managed it poorly is outrageous."

Another woman, who was visiting her mother's unit during the early stages of the norovirus outbreak last month, said she was shocked to see a nurse coming to the door without a mask. They were also told it was gastroenteritis.

NOROVIRUS THE FACTS

* Norovirus is usually caught by coming into contact with infected people, eating contaminated food (especially shellfish) or drinking untreated water.

* It causes vomiting and diarrhoea, stomach pains, aching muscles and a headache that usually lasts 48 hours.

* Those with symptoms should remain at home until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have gone and avoid preparing food for others. Prevent the spread of the virus by washing hands after going to the toilet and before preparing food.

* An estimated 53,000 cases of norovirus infection occur in New Zealand annually.