Visiting Hours

Restrictions due to COVID-19

The World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a pandemic, meaning the virus is established on all continents (with the exception of Antarctica). We are asking for your understanding that you consider not visiting the hospital unless you are an immediate family member or carer of the patient. The ongoing requirement for physical (social) distancing means that we will continue to limit the number of visitors to our facilities.

Each patient will be allowed two visitors at a time. Please note that the Government’s requirement for a minimum of 4 square metres per person in an indoor space and 1.5 metres social distancing means that the time limit for visitors is limited to two hours, and may have to be staggered.

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our hospital communities Healthe Care has mandated the following Visitor Restrictions.

• Until 14 days have lapsed from returning or arriving from overseas (flight/cruise), interstate travel; AND/OR
• Have been in close contact with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 in the previous 14 days; AND/OR
• Diagnosed with COVID-19 (unless no longer directed to be self-isolated); AND/OR
• Have a fever (even if mild) or respiratory illness like symptoms (a cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, tiredness and breathing difficulties); AND/OR
• A recent loss of the sense of smell? OR an altered sense of taste? you must follow the advice of the public health authorities AND

DO NOT ENTER THE HOSPITAL OR VISIT OUR PATIENTS FOR 14 DAYS

If you are unwell and require urgent medical attention you should contact your GP or call 000 for an ambulance (this will work even without phone credit).

Visiting Restrictions

From 1st July 2020, a per the VIC State Government directive, postcodes linked to COVID-19 outbreaks will go into local lockdown. Visitors from these postcodes are not permitted to enter our hospitals until at least the 29 July 2020.

• For now, that includes the following: 3038, 3064, 3047, 3060, 3012, 3032, 3055, 3042, 3021, 3046 (this list will be reviewed daily).
• These “hot zones” will be required to return to Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions – until at least 29 July.
• Visiting hours are restricted to two hours per day between the hours 3:00pm - 4:00pm and 6:00pm - 7:00pm
  
• A maximum of two visitors are permitted to visit a patient per day (this includes Critical Care/Intensive Care Unit (ICU)).
• All visitors (including essential contractors or representatives) will be screened at entry to the hospital before access is granted to the hospital. This includes recording your temperature. If your temperature is ≥ 37.5°C you are not permitted to enter the hospital.
• Volunteers and other non-essential visitors will not be visiting our facility until further notice.
• Visitors aged under 16 years are not allowed, under the directive of the department of health and human services (DHHS).

*Special patient circumstances will be considered such as those undergoing palliative care, medical emergencies and under other extenuating circumstances if approved by the Hospital Executive.

Upon entry to the hospital and during your visit, please practice simple hygiene by:

• Making sure to clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow

Practice physical (social) distancing by:

• Attempting to keep a distance of 1.5 metres (5 feet) between you and other people where possible. If you are required to move closer than 1.5 metres, ensure that the time does not exceed 15 minutes
• Avoid shaking hands, hugging, touching or kissing other people or sharing food
• Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms
• If you are asked to wear a surgical face mask, after putting it on to cover your nose and mouth, do not touch the front of the mask and remove it using the ear loops or head straps
• Dispose of the used mask into a waste bin and perform hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol hand rub

We are also encouraging visitors to download the Australian Government’s COVIDSafe app, which is designed to provide early notification of possible exposure.

If you are concerned please contact healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or the Public Health Unit for further information on 1300 650 172.

Kindly observe any signage and instructions relating to the use of mobile phones and electronic equipment in the hospital, as some devices may interfere with medical equipment.

RESTRICTED POSTCODES AS AT 01 JULY 2020

Following analysis of testing results over the past two weeks including the surge in tests over the past 5 days as part of the Suburban Testing Blitz, the following postcodes have been identified as postcodes of concern and requiring additional restrictions.