News

How we are keeping our Victorian patients safe in hospital

The safety of our patients, caregivers, specialists and visitors remains our highest priority. In Victoria, we are adhering to all protocols and guidelines as set by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) so that patients can be cared for safely. Read on for some of the measures we have introduced.

14 Aug 2020

Your safety is our priority. Throughout the COVID-19 emergency we have made changes to the way we do things so we can continue meeting the health care needs of our communities.

These changes vary depending on the location of our hospitals, and you can find out more at each hospital’s website.

Visitors

We are currently restricting the number of visitors in our hospitals.

Please visit our hospital websites to see the current restrictions in place:
• Ballarat
• Bendigo
• Berwick
• Frankston
• Geelong
• Pinelodge
• Warrnambool

Some exceptions may apply. Please check the hospital website or call us before coming to hospital to find out more.

We recognise this is a very difficult time for our patients and families, and while the current restrictions may be disappointing our aim is to ensure the safety of everyone who comes to our facilities. All visitors can expect to be screened upon arrival.

We will always do our best to support your needs, and help you stay in contact with your loved ones, including through the use of digital communications, while balancing the needs of other vulnerable or high risk patients in our care.

Face masks

We will provide you with a facemask when you enter our hospital. In line with DHHS guidelines, you must wear this at all times to help keep everyone safe.

Hand sanitiser

Hand hygiene continues to be a ‘weapon’ in the fight against COVID-19.

As always, our hospitals have hand sanitiser available for use.

You will be asked to sanitise your hands upon entry and throughout your visit or stay with us.

In addition, our caregivers continue to wash or sanitise their hands before and after every patient encounter.

Patient screening for COVID-19 symptoms

People will not stop giving birth, getting sick, having accidents or needing treatment for a range of conditions just because we are managing a COVID-19 pandemic.

Before you come to our hospital for care we will phone you for a pre-admission appointment and ask if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms.

When you arrive, we will check your temperature and ask you again if you are experiencing cough, fever or other symptoms of respiratory virus infection. We will also ask your support person, if you have one with you.

If you are experiencing any symptoms, we will request you be tested for COVID-19 before we admit you.

It is important that you answer all questions honestly so we can keep everyone in our care and at our hospital safe.

Our caregivers are screened for COVID-19 symptoms before every shift.

Changes in face to face appointments

Telehealth is one of the main ways we've improved access to services for patients and clients during the COVID-19 pandemic and we are pleased to continue offering telehealth consultations for some services, such as mental health and maternity.

Find out more about our telehealth services available .

Physical distancing

We have made arrangements to help everyone at our hospitals follow physical distancing requirements.

This includes markers on the floor to indicate the 1.5m physical distance spacing.

We have also rearranged seating in waiting areas to create more space between patients. We are scheduling appointments to ensure that fewer people are waiting in the same area at any given time.

Our cafes are offering takeaway, so you can continue to enjoy this service while adhering to the physical distancing precautions.

More information

For more information call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.

You can also access the Department of Health website for your state for the latest information:

DHHS Victoria website