SINN Féin Councillor Sandra Duffy has said that it is deeply concerned that an external contractor had been using the wrong standards for FIT testing for masks to protect workers from COVID-19.
The Public Health Aency NI that a “serious adverse incident review” will be carried out after masks protecting healthcare staff against Coronavirus had not been properly tested.
The local Health spokesperson said: “This is deeply concerning as it could potentially have placed thousands of frontline staff at risk, due to a false sense of security.
“We are aware that the HSC states it has undertaken a validation and audit exercise of all FIT tests.
“But in response to a written question that Sinn Féin submitted to the Department of Health it stated that the ‘Health and Social Care Trusts have a number of internal audit processes in place to ensure the ongoing competency of Fit Testing processes’.
“This is an extremely serious issue, there will be thousands of frontline staff and their families deeply worried about the risks they may have been exposed to.
“In particular there will be staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 after completing a FIT test due to below standards FIT testing.
“It will be vital that there is full openness and transparency into the SAI process and audit. And we will be raising this issue at the Assembly health committee as a matter of urgency.
“My party colleague Pat Sheehan MLA has asked the Minister for Health a range of written questions on this issue and will continue to seek assurances for workers.”
