An independent investigation into New Zealand's COVID-19 clusters in rest homes has revealed many facilities did not feel adequately prepared to deal with the necessary restrictions.
The report, released on Thursday, examines five of 16 clusters across the country. Data confirms in three of the facilities, staff were infected first before the virus spread throughout the aged residential care home (ARC).
Staff management was described as "complete chaos" following the identification of a case.
Within 48 hours of a case being confirmed, ARC providers reported at least 40 percent of their staff chose not to work. This was either because they feared infection or because the public health unit had informed staff they were suspected or close contacts.
"The sudden loss of staff caused the ARC provider to turn to casual and agency staff, which also resulted in increasing the risk of infection," read the report.
"This period was described as "complete chaos" and was highly stressful for all concerned."
In some cases, District Health Board (DHB) staff were brought in to assist. However DHB staff, ARC management and staff all highlighted the DHB volunteers were not adequately briefed on what to expect in an ARC setting.
"DHB staff were faced with very unfamiliar territory, processes, record keeping and pharmaceutical management technology."
Alongside this, resources and communication were lacking.
"Some noted a lack of available PPE leading into the pandemic contributed to an inability to practice wearing PPE in some facilities. Relationships with the local DHB infection prevention and control staff were variable."
The report was commissioned by Director General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield so that New Zealand will be "better placed to manage any further occurrences".
The report recommends a national outbreak management policy be developed by ARC, DHBs and the public health unit.
It also recommends psychological support be provided for staff and residents wellbeing, and that all work "bubbles" be clearly communicated.
The Ministry of Health will seek feedback from aged care representatives, DHBs and Public Health Units on the review's recommendations over the next three weeks.
