The WSLHD hosted its second annual aged care forum for western Sydney aged care facilities at Cumberland Hospital in Parramatta on April 20.
The forum aimed to improve the management of flu outbreaks in aged care centres, especially since the increase in reported influenza outbreaks since 2014.
Residents of aged care facilities are at a high risk of complications from influenza due to their older age group (over 65 years), the presence of numerous co-existing medical conditions and their close proximity to other residents.
In 2013, only one influenza outbreak in an institution was reported to the Western Sydney Public Health Unit (PHU). There were 39 across NSW.
In 2014 and 2015, this exponentially increased to 18 outbreaks annually in western Sydney.
NSW reported 120 and 103 institutional influenza outbreaks in 2014 and 2015 respectively.
Dr Shopna Bag from the Centre of Population Health said the WSLHD will ensure aged care centres were prepared for outbreaks.
“A review of influenza outbreaks conducted in 2014 found that some outbreaks were being identified too late,” she said.
“By working with our aged care centres, we can ensure outbreaks are identified and managed as early as possible, thereby minimising the impact on the residents and staff.”
For information about managing flu outbreaks, contact Western Sydney Local Health District’s Centre for Population Health on 9840 3603.
