Public health notice for Mortdale patients
The NSW Health authorities have issued a precautionary warning to current and former patients of a Mortdale dental practitioner, Mr Safuan Hasic (also known as Steven Hasic). The Chief Health Officer confirmed that infection control breaches were identified at his practice at 70 Victoria Avenue, Mortdale, prompting a suspension of his dental registration and a closure order on the surgery. While the assessed risk to patients remains low, NSW Health stresses the importance of testing for blood borne viruses as a precautionary measure.
What happened and what it means for patients
Dental work carried out at the practice may have involved exposure to blood if instruments were not adequately cleaned or sterilised. The concerns relate to bloodstream infections, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. The Dental Council of NSW has suspended Mr Hasic’s registration, and a formal closure order has been issued against the Mortdale clinic. The combination of suspension and closure means the practice should not be used for dental treatment at this time.
Low but non-zero risk
Health authorities emphasise that the risk of transmission appears to be low. However, blood borne viruses can be dangerous, and infections can remain asymptomatic for years. Dr Vicky Sheppeard, Director of the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit, underscored the seriousness: “Any current or former patients should see their GP as soon as possible and be tested for blood borne viruses as a precaution.”
What patients should do next
People who had dental treatment at the Mortdale clinic are urged to get tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Even if recent test results were negative, it’s advisable to confirm whether additional testing is required. Dr Sheppeard also noted that effective treatments exist for hepatitis B and C, and for HIV when diagnosed early.
Who is affected and how NSW Health is responding
NSW Health has identified a small number of patients treated at the Mortdale practice and is reaching out with health guidance. A significant number of patients remain unknown to Health authorities and may not be contactable directly. NSW Health is coordinating with the Dental Council of NSW and the Health Care Complaints Commission to pursue a full investigation into the incident.
Resources and support
For information on blood borne viruses, patients can contact their local public health unit at 1300 066 055 or consult the NSW Health infectious diseases fact sheets on hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. An information sheet titled “Health information for patients of Safuan Hasic (also known as Steven Hasic), 70 Victoria Avenue, Mortdale” is available on the NSW Health website.
If you are distressed by this news, mental health support is available via the Mental Health Line at 1800 011 511, 24/7. For culturally and linguistically diverse communities, the Transcultural Mental Health Line is open at 1800 648 911. Free general health advice is also available 24/7 from Healthdirect at 1800 022 222, with language support through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) at 131 450.
Ongoing investigation
NSW Health is working in partnership with the Dental Council of NSW and the Health Care Complaints Commission to investigate the matter further. Updates will be provided as investigations progress and more information becomes available to the public.
Key contacts
Customers seeking information or support should use the NSW Health channels and public health unit contacts for guidance. For further mental health and general wellbeing support, turn to the resources listed above.
