Visitor information

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) precautions 

As a part of our coronavirus (COVID-19) management plans and advice from authorities, we are undertaking a number of precautions to help keep people within our hospitals and facilities safe from harm.

To ensure the safety of our patients and caregivers, we have limited visitor restrictions in place in accordance with the DHHS guidelines.

Patients may have one designated visitor for the duration of their stay with us. However, visitors may only stay for two hours each day. 

You may visit:

• If you are the parent of a child under the age of 18 you may visit. Only one parent at a time can visit and there will be no limit on the number of visits or the duration of the visit
• If you are a parent/guardian/carer for patient over the age of 18 years for the purpose of providing emotional and social support that cannot be provided via electronic or other non-contact means. 
• If your visit is for the purpose of providing essential care/support necessary for the patient’s immediate physical wellbeing.
• It your visit is for the purpose of providing interpreter or informal language support.
• For the purpose of end of life emotional and physical support of a patient.
• In the case a patient whose medical condition is life-threatening.
• If your visit is for the purpose of education to support a patients care for discharge.
• Visits will be limited to 1 hour in duration. 

Exceptions to these restrictions need to be discussed with the relevant unit manager.

No children under the age of 16 are not permitted to visit patients in the hospital

Visitors are required to wear a face mask.

All visitors can expect to be screened on entry and cannot visit if they: 

• have travelled within 14 days of the planned visit;
• have recently come into contact with a person who has a confirmed case of coronavirus;
  are feeling unwell.

You can get the most up-to-date information and guidelines relating to visitors at the Department of Health and Human Services website.

While some COVID-19 restrictions are being gradually eased in our community, we are maintaining our precautionary measures to help keep our patients safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Thank you in advance for your support of this.

More information

Please read our latest advice about what to do if you have an upcoming admission or want to visit someone in hospital.

If you are seeking assistance, or testing for coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit your nearest COVID-19 clinic; or contact your GP.

You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.

Visiting hours

We understand the importance of staying connected to your friends and family while you are in hospital. We encourage visitors during our regular visiting hours.

Regular visiting hours (all wards except Intensive Care/Coronary Care Unit)

Weekdays
10.00am to 8.00pm

Weekends
10.00am to 6.00pm

Intensive Care/Coronary Care Unit visiting hours

Weekdays
10.00am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 8.00pm.

Weekends
10.00am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 6.00pm.

Getting here and parking

We have paid onsite parking accessible by the Drummond Street North entrance. There are two bus stops located on Drummond Street North. Ballarat train station is 1.2km away.

More information can be found on our getting here and parking page.

Cafe and gift shop

A cafe is located on the ground floor and offers a variety of fresh foods and barista coffee. We also have a gift shop run by the hospital Auxiliary that offers a wide variety of local and imported merchandise.

For more information please visit our facilities page.

WiFi

Staying in touch with loved ones isn’t limited to visiting hours with our hospital WiFi. Both patients and visitors can enjoy free internet access.

To access the hospital WiFi:

• connect to the “Guest” wireless network
• enter your details and accept terms and conditions
• click the “Hotspot Login” button.

Accommodation for relatives

Short term accommodation is available at Rotary House on the hospital grounds and boarders can stay overnight if the patient is staying in a single/private room.  

Smoking

Our hospital is a smoke free campus. Smoking is not permitted in any building, outdoor area or vehicle within the boundary of our site.