The following updates apply at WDHS:

Visitor Restrictions effective from Monday 16 January 2023

The following COVID-19 updates apply at WDHS campuses  (unless an outbreak has been declared, in which case a facility may be closed to visitors and contractors for a nominated period), providing physical distancing (1.5 metres) and face mask compliance is maintained:

Aged Care – Birches / Grange / Coleraine / Penshurst:

  • To facilitate screening requirements; preferred visiting hours are Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm and weekends (Public Holidays) 1pm to 4pm;
  • Visitors with COVID-19 symptoms, who are COVID-19 positive, or have had COVID-19 within the last 7 days, will not be allowed entry to WDHS facilities;
  • There is no limit on the number of visitors per day, but only three (3) visitors are allowed at one time;
  • There is no limit on the number of visitors per day for end of life residents, but only 5 visitors are allowed at one time;
  • All visitors should have a negative result from a COVID-19 rapid antigen test taken on the same day they attend the WDHS facilities;
  • Visits are recommended to occur either outdoors, in the visitor room or residents room with doors and windows open to provide ventilation
  • Residents can leave their care facility for any reason; and
  • Residents with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 will be able to have restricted essential visitors who are identified as partners in care to provide essential or end of life care based on a local risk assessment under guidance by the Public Health Unit (PHU) and approved by the Chief Medical Officer.

*Rapid Antigen (RA) test kits are available at WDHS for visitors to our facilities who are required to return a negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) result.

Hamilton Base Hospital (HBH):
The following visitor restrictions apply to HBH:

  • Restricted visiting hours apply Monday to Sunday 10am to 6pm and weekends (Public Holidays) 10am to 3pm;
  • Visitors will self-screen for COVID-19 at the front entrance prior to visiting (the screening station will no longer be staffed);
  • Visitors with COVID-19 symptoms, who are COVID-19 positive, or have had COVID-19 within the last 7 days, must not enter HBH;
  • It is highly recommended that ward based visitors complete a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) before visiting;
  • There is no limit on the number of visitors per day; buy only three (3) visitors are allowed at one time;
  • There is no limit on the number of visitors per day for end of life patients, but only 5 visitors are allowed at a time;
  • A support person / visitor aged 8 years and over must wear a surgical mask during their visit;
  • Patients attending the Cancer and Dialysis Centre are permitted one (1) support person*;
  • If a visitor cannot arrange care for a dependent (such as a child) the group of visitors may not exceed four (4);
  • Patients attending the Emergency Department are permitted one (1) support person*;
  • Elective surgery patients may have one (1) support person escort them to the direct admissions area;
  • Patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 will not be able to have visitors unless approval is granted by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO); and
  • Exemptions to these visitor restrictions may be granted under special circumstances following consultation with the CMO, Director of Nursing or Executive on call.

*Rapid Antigen (RA) test kits are available at WDHS for visitors to our facilities who are required to return a negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) result.

Community Client Clinics – (Hamilton, Penshurst, Coleraine and Merino) & HBH Consulting Suites

  • Face-to-face consultations may continue;
  • Visitors with COVID-19 symptoms, who are COVID-19 positive, or have had COVID-19 within the last 7 days, will not be allowed entry to WDHS facilities;
  • One (1) person can attend as a support person / visitor*; and
  • A support person / visitor aged 8 years and over must wear a surgical mask during their visit.

*If a visitor / support person cannot arrange care for a dependent (such as a child) the group of visitors may exceed 1.

If you have any queries please contact Primary and Preventative Health Reception on 5551 8351 or Allied Health reception on 5551 8450

Community Transport & Volunteering Program

  • Community Transport will continue a full service;
  • The Hospital Op Shop is open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm, Saturday 9am – 12noon
  • All on-site Volunteering may continue.

Face-to-face meetings and education

  • Face-to-face meetings may resume:

Contractors:

  • Non-essential contractors are no longer restricted from entry to all WDHS facilities.

Respiratory Clinic:

  • The respiratory clinic has now closed

Green Bean Cafe:

  • Density limit no longer applies

Staff Tea/Break rooms:

  • Room density limits no longer apply at WDHS, however social distancing is required and where possible, taking meal breaks / conducting meetings in outdoor areas is recommended.

Face mask rules apply at WDHS

Face Mask Protocol (as long as physical distancing of 1.5 metres is maintained):

  • All staff, students, volunteers and contractors who have direct customer contact in the HBH acute wards, consulting clinics (all campuses), admissions and screening areas, Primary & Preventative Health buildings, in the community and all aged care campuses, must wear a surgical mask;
  • All staff, students, volunteers and contractors who have direct customer contact with suspected or confirmed COVID customers, must wear a P2/N95 mask;
  • All staff, students, volunteers and contractors in public shared areas must wear an P2/N95 or surgical mask (for example; entrances, corridors, waiting areas, elevators and stairways at all WDHS campuses);
  • Face masks are not required in non-clinical areas such as private offices or other non-public areas (for example; seminar rooms, auditorium and communal offices);
  • Staff working in an office in a clinical area/patient zone, must wear a face mask;
  • Staff travelling in a vehicle for work purposes with customers, must wear a surgical mask;
  • Staff travelling in a vehicle for work purposes with their colleagues, are recommended to wear a surgical mask;
  • Staff using WDHS courtyards, external grounds or working outside with no customer contact are not required to wear a face mask;
  • Adult visitors and children over the age of 8 who have direct customer contact at all WDHS campuses and aged care facilities must wear a surgical mask;
  • Adult visitors and children who are outside at WDHS campuses and aged care facilities with no customer contact are not required to wear a surgical mask; and
  • Staff and volunteers at the WDHS Op Shop are no longer required to wear a face mask.

Note:

  • Face masks must be worn if staff can’t remain socially distanced;
  • Staff who are a social or workplace contact will be required to wear a P2/N95 mask while at work for 5 days following notification;
  • Staff are encouraged to have their breaks outdoors and when this is not possible must be physically distanced by 1.5 metres in tearooms; and
  • Room density limits no longer apply.

Wearing a mask

  • Disposable surgical masks can be worn for up to 4 hours, however, masks must be replaced if it becomes damaged, damp or contaminated;
  • Masks must be disposed of into an infectious waste bin;

High School, Primary School and Kindergarten visits or Work Experience Programs

  • Are not permitted until further notice

Please note these protocols are subject to change

For further queries contact Western District Health Service on 03 5551 8222

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