Australian Nurse Airlifted from Sierra Leone after Ebola scare

An Australian nurse, who accidently breached personal protection protocols while treating Ebola victims, has been evacuated from Sierra Leone and airlifted to the United Kingdom.

The breach took place at the recently established Australian Government Ebola Treatment Centre (ETC), managed by Aspen Medical, at Hastings Airfield in Sierra Leone.

"An Australian nurse will undergo observation in the United Kingdom following a low-risk clinical incident at the Australian-managed Ebola Treatment Centre (ETC) in Sierra Leone," a statement released by the Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, said.

"The individual, who for privacy reasons has not been named, has not been diagnosed with Ebola, and her transferral to the UK for a 21-day observation period is a precautionary step."

The Australian Government has committed over $20 million for Aspen to manage the centre in Sierra Leone, with the clinic to have a total of 100 treatment beds available when complete.

On January 7, 2015 Aspen announced the successful discharge of the first three patients from the clinic. They included an 11-year-old girl, a man in his 20s and a 67 year-old woman.

"Ms Aminata Bangura, 11 years old, was the first patient to be successfully treated by the Aspen Medical team," the announcement said.

The announcement also said, "The usual fatality rate for those over 45 years of age is 95 per cent, that we have been able to successfully treat a 67-year-old woman is a very positive sign, operationally and clinically."

The announcement made by the Foreign Minister said the clinic has an operating capacity of 38 beds and was on track to reach 50 beds by early February 2015.

"To date, 18 patients have recovered and been discharged from the centre."