Water testing has detected elevated levels of lead at Atherton Hospital and Yarrabah Health Facility.
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital Service (CHHHS) is taking immediate steps to protect the health of staff and patients at Atherton Hospital and Yarrabah Health Facility after water testing detected elevated levels of lead.
CHHHS Chief Executive Leena Singh said staff and patients at both facilities were being given bottled water, and current and former staff would be offered free and voluntary blood testing.
Ms Singh said health advice was that there was a low risk of exposure to lead at both sites, the measures being taken were an appropriate precaution.
She said investigations were ongoing to determine the sources of the contamination and to determine if any necessary rectification works needed to be carried out.
‘I understand the detection of elevated lead levels may cause concern, but I want to assure our staff and patients at Atherton and Yarrabah that CHHHS is taking extensive measures to limit potential contamination and protect people’s health and wellbeing,’ she said.
‘Expert toxicology advice is that there is a low risk of exposure to lead at both facilities, but it is much better to cautious than complacent.
‘Blood testing is not currently necessary for patients or visitors at either facility, given that longer-term exposure to lead is required for poisoning to occur. However, anyone with concerns should speak with their local GP.
‘I would like to thank people, especially our staff, at Yarrabah and Atherton for their patience, understanding and willingness to work with us during this time.’
Ms Singh said elevated lead levels at Atherton Hospital were initially detected in the new Clinical Services Building, which meant the opening date would be rescheduled.
‘Patients and staff will only move into the new Clinical Services Building after rectification works and testing confirm that the water meets Australian drinking water guidelines,’ she said.
‘Importantly, there will be no impact on the delivery of clinical services from rescheduling the opening of the building.’
‘The health advice is that there is no risk to patients or visitors at our facilities, and we encourage people to still come to our hospital if they need medical assistance.’
Queensland Health Director-General Shaun Drummond said all Hospital and Health Services routinely tested water supply to detect and manage contaminants but would now undertake a water quality audit as a precaution.
‘All Hospital and Health Services (HHS) have a water risk management plan in place for hospitals and clinical facilities they manage,’ he said.
‘Beyond any legislative requirements, these plans specify whether water testing is required including the type and frequency, based on a risk profile.
‘As a precaution and to determine if what has occurred at Atherton and Yarrabah is happening elsewhere, Queensland Health will work with HHSs to conduct a water quality audit of all our clinical facilities.’
Queensland Health Chief Health Officer (CHO) Dr John Gerrard said elevated lead levels were solely confined to water supply at Atherton Hospital and Yarrabah Health Facility.
‘Town water supply in Yarrabah and Atherton meet Australian drinking water guidelines, so it is safe for the community to continue to using supplies,’ he said.
‘As a general rule, contaminants can sometimes leach into drinking water from plumbing fittings so it is a good idea to routinely run your kitchen tap for 10 seconds first thing in the morning to flush out any residue.
‘It is also recommended that you run your kitchen tap for two minutes if you haven't used it for more than two days.’
Background information
- Ingestion of lead can lead to health problems, with children and unborn babies more affected than adults. Physical contact with lead does not present a health risk.
- Staff and patients at the Yarrabah Health Facility were advised on 3 May to drink only bottled water, following the detection of elevated levels of copper in the water supply at the facility. The detection of elevated levels of lead does not alter this advice.
- Staff and patients at Atherton Hospital were advised on 26 May to drink only bottled water following the detection of elevated levels of lead in the water supply.
- Free blood testing is already available to Yarrabah staff and will be established as a priority for Atherton Hospital staff. Information on blood testing will be provided directly to the staff.