Western Australia's Health Minister has been left scrambling for answers after a terrifying health scare at a Perth primary school, where students were pricked with the same needle during a poorly managed demonstration.
Minister in the Dark Over Critical Details
Responding to reports about the incident at Byford John Calvin School, Health Minister Meredith Hammat admitted on Wednesday she lacked crucial information about the needle scare. "Obviously people will have seen the reports about the school and the activities that they undertook last week," Ms Hammat stated. She confirmed the WA Health Department is working with the school and affected families to provide support and advice.
When pressed on whether a teacher or a third party was responsible for reusing the needle, the Minister responded, "I don't have any information about the activities that took place." She emphasised that her immediate priority was supporting the school community while endeavouring to obtain more facts.
Botched Test Sparks Blood-Borne Disease Fear
The health scare unfolded during a demonstration for World Diabetes Day last Friday. Students participated in a finger-prick test to learn about blood sugar monitoring. However, it was later discovered that the lancet, or needle, was not changed between each student's test.
This serious breach of hygiene protocol prompted the school to contact families over the weekend. A formal letter was issued to parents on Monday, urging them to have their children undergo immediate blood tests.
"Since advising you of this matter, more information has come to light, and it has been confirmed that the lancet (needle) used for the finger prick test was not changed in between every use," the letter stated. "This gives rise to concern about the possibility of blood-borne transmissible disease."
Parents Left with Unanswered Questions
Families affected by the Perth primary school incident are demanding to know why their children were subjected to the test without parental consent and why basic safety protocols were ignored. The school has refused to comment on who administered the tests, and the Department of Education, which regulates the private school, has not indicated if it will launch an independent investigation.
The situation remains unresolved as the community waits for clarity and assurances that such a dangerous lapse in safety will not happen again.
