Should Australian states and territories have designated COVID hospitals in low community transmission? Case study for Western Australia
Chantal Ferguson A , Robert Fletcher B , Portia Ho A D and Elizabeth MacLeod C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Western Australia Department of Health, State Health Incident Coordination Centre, COVID-19 Health Operations, PO Box 8172, Perth Business Centre, WA 6849, Australia. Email: Chantal.Ferguson@health.wa.gov.au
B Western Australia Country Health Service, Safety and Quality, PO Box 6680, East Perth Business Centre, WA 6892, Australia. Email: Robert.Fletcher@health.wa.gov.au
C East Metropolitan Health Service, GPO Box X2213, Perth, WA 6847, Australia. Email: Elizabeth.MacLeod@health.wa.gov.au
D Corresponding author. Email: Portia.Ho@health.wa.gov.au
Australian Health Review 44(5) 728-732 https://doi.org/10.1071/AH20199
Submitted: 3 August 2020 Accepted: 6 August 2020 Published: 28 August 2020
Journal Compilation © AHHA 2020 Open Access CC BY
Abstract
This case study describes the process of selecting the most appropriate state-wide hospital system to manage COVID-19 cases in a setting of low community transmission of COVID-19 infection. A rapid review of the literature was conducted of the advantages and disadvantages of having designated COVID hospitals. This led to three different options being presented for discussion. Following consultation, the option chosen was for all hospital facilities to remain prepared to care for COVID-19 patients where they present rather than having specified designated hospitals because this was considered the most practical option currently.
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