In preparation for the anticipated COVID Winter surge 2022 the following amendments at West Gippsland Hospital will be implemented from Wednesday the 20th July 2022 until further notice
Due to physical distancing requirements, visitor/support persons are limited in most areas
WGHG are mindful of the importance of visitor access to all our patients however we need to maintain a COVID SAFE environment across the organisation.
Condition of entry Visitors must
- Not visit if you are unwell
- Enter via the West Gippsland Hospital main entrance for In patient visits
- Be screened for signs of COVID 19 prior to entry at the front screening desk
- Visitors over 18 years must be fully vaccinated or if unvaccinated show evidence of a negative result from a rapid antigen test taken on the day of the visit , and wear a N95 mask(*)
- Visitors under 18 years must be fully vaccinated or if unvaccinated show evidence of a negative result from a rapid antigen test taken on the day of the visit , and wear a N95 mask(*)
- Visitors Under 16 are not permitted entry unless if they are visiting a patient who has a life-threatening medical condition or is receiving palliative care (*)
- Sanitise your hands on arrival to the Hospital, when using lifts, stair rails and every time you enter or leave the patients room
- Maintain 1.5m physical distance from others
- Follow staff instructions at all times
- Enter for visiting between 10am-6pm when the screening desk is operational
- Visitors may be screened locally by the reception or care staff in outlying areas who do not need to enter the main Hospital building.
- (*) Updates: In effect from Friday 22nd July
Visiting Hours.
All visitors must leave the Hospital no later than 8pm
Front Screening Desk
The front screening desk is situated in the foyer alongside main reception.
The screening desk is staffed Monday – Friday 7am – 6pm and Weekends 10am – 2pm.
Medical and Surgical Unit
2 visitors per day for a maximum of 1 hour a day for each visitor
Visiting children must be under the direct supervision of an adult at all times.
End of Life Care/Mental health support
Up to two immediate family members at a time can visit at any time to a patient whose medical condition is life limiting Additional visitors will be at the discretion of the Nurse in charge of the shift
Under 18 – Paediatric /SCN/Child & Adolescent
Unlimited access 24 hours a day for a parent, guardian or carers. Otherwise visiting hours for all others as per general inpatient One parent, guardian or carer may stay overnight
Maternity Unit Birth Suite
Limit to 1 support person in Birth suites for duration of labour.
Alternate arrangements if required for mental health purposes are to be discussed with the Midwife in charge
Post Natal
Limited to partner at any time from 10am. Must leave by 8pm. No overnight stay
*Day of discharge partner can enter from 8am to facilitate timely discharge. Siblings can accompany parent if no alternate child care is available
Special Care Nursery
Both parents only at any time. No children permitted.
Emergency Department
Adults: One carer or support person may accompany adults to the Emergency Department for the episode of care.
Children: Two parents or carers/guardians may accompany a child to the Emergency Department and stay with the child for the episode of care.
Emergency Department screening is undertaken at the Emergency department Entrance. Additional screening information available on arrival.
Day Surgery
One (1) support person during the episode of care/appointment if social distancing can be maintained.
Support person must leave hospital whilst patient is having their procedure, arrangements will be made on returning post-operatively regarding discharge time of patient.
HITH / Pre-admission /Chemotherapy/Haemodialysis
One (1) support person during the episode of care/appointment if social distancing can be maintained. Allied and Community Health
One (1) support person during your appointment.
Consulting Suites
Please contact Consulting suite reception for availability of support person to attend appointment. There is limited ability for support persons to attend in the Consulting suites
Aged Care
There is no limit to visitors to Aged Care. All visitors must have a negative result from a COVID -19 rapid antigen test taken on the day they visit.
All visitors must wear a face covering (a surgical mask can be provided to you) while visiting Screening desks operate at the following times.
Cooinda Lodge Warragul/Subacute Care
Visitors can attend between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm.
Additional times are available in special circumstances. Please contact the Nurse in charge to make special arrangements
Andrews House Trafalgar
10am-12md and 1pm -3pm daily.
Additional times are available in special circumstances. Please contact the Nurse in charge to make special arrangements
EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES
Individual visiting arrangements to meet the needs and changing circumstances of patients will be by arrangement and agreement between the manager/nurse in charge/hospital coordinator and family members at the time.