COVID 19 – Current Visiting Information

Visiting restrictions update – 29/7/2020

Visiting hours are currently only between 3pm – 4pm daily. Patients/consumers can have one nominated visitor.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions visitors to all Swan Hill District Health patients and consumers are currently limited, in line with state-wide directions. We continue to work with our patients, consumers and their families and loved ones to enable ongoing connection and support while keeping everyone safe. Wherever possible electronic means of staying in touch are preferable at this time.

The Chief Health Officer has restricted access to hospitals where vulnerable Victorians receive care. This is to help protect elderly people, those with chronic medical conditions or those with low immunity from the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Patients receiving treatment and care are especially vulnerable to the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) and may be critically at-risk if exposed. – DHHS

Summary

All people entering Swan Hill District Health, including Acute, Sub Acute, Logan Lodge and Jacranda Lodge will be temperature tested and screened at entry, at which point a mask will also be available.

All visitors to aged care facilities must wear a mask. Visitors to other areas are encouraged to also wear a mask. You can bring your own mask, please see information below on making your own mask from DHHS.

Each patient/consumer can have one nominated visitor, for up to one hour per day. This person must be prearranged as the nominated support person who cannot provide the support electronically.  Patients/consumers can speak with a nurse to arrange their nominated support person to ensure a smooth process at the screening station. Further contact and support can be provided electronically, please speak to our staff about keeping in touch.

The limit on people visiting for end of life purposes remains at two visitors with no limits to the duration of the visit. Arrangements in these circumstances are organized with the Supervisor. 

Women in labour may have their partner or support person present for labour and birth and as long as required on the day of birth. Subsequent visits by the partner/support person of up to 2 hours per day are permitted.

Please see the full list of who is able to visit a hospital and exceptions: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/visiting-hospitals-covid-19

Acute Ward / Sub Acute

• Even with a face covering, you should keep at least 1.5 meters apart from others
• Wash your hands after using lifts, holding railings and every time you enter and exit the patient’s room 
• Limit movement around the hospital as much as possible  
• Limit the number of personal items you bring into the hospital 
• Visits of the nominated carer only are permitted between 3 and 4pm daily.
• There are exceptions for parents with children in hospital and visitors of patients receiving end of life care. Other exceptions include nominated mental health supporters, people providing language support and people visiting patients in life-threatening situations.

You must not enter our health service at any time if you:

• are awaiting a coronavirus (COVID-19) test result (unless granted exemption under exceptional circumstances)
• are unwell with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), such as a cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, or fever
• have a temperature higher than 37.5 degrees
• arrived in Australia within the last 14 days
• have been diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19) and have not yet been given clearance from self-isolation
• have had known contact in the past 14 days with a person who was a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19)

For up to date information on visiting hospitals please see – www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/visiting-hospitals-covid-19

Aged Care – Logan Lodge and Jacaranda Lodge

• All visitors to our aged care facilities are required to have an up to date influenza (flu) vaccination (see below link to direction from DHHS).
• Visitors will be required to wear a mask (you can bring your own, see more information below).
• As above, any visitor who is unwell or is waiting for a coronavirus (COVID-19) test result will not be allowed to visit.
• Visits of the nominated carer only are permitted between 3 and 4pm daily.
• Exemptions are available for end of life care (up to two visitors permitted and no time limits).
• You should maintain a 1.5 metre physical distance between you and your loved one and all other people in the facility for the duration of your visit.

Visitors must not enter aged care facilities if they:

• are unwell with flu-like symptoms, such as a cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, or fever of 37.5 degrees or higher
• have had known contact in the last 14 days with a person who was a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) 
• are under 16, unless they are visiting a resident who is receiving end-of-life care
• any visitor who is unwell or is waiting for a coronavirus (COVID-19) test result will not be allowed to visit

For up to date information on visiting residential aged care facilities please see www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/visiting-care-facilities-covid-19

Midwifery

• A partner or support person of a pregnant patient can attend the labour and birth for as long as required and they can stay after the birth for as long as required.
• A partner or support person can then subsequently visit once per day for a maximum of two hours from 2-4pm.

For up to date information on visiting hospitals (including maternity) please see – www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/visiting-hospitals-covid-19

Masks

• Wearing a face mask protects you and your community by providing an additional physical barrier to COVID-19
• Keeping 1.5 metres between yourself and others and washing your hands are still the best defences against COVID-19
• There are two types of face masks suitable for community use: cloth masks and surgical masks

How to make a mask:

Information on masks translated into other languages is available on the DHHS YouTube Channel under “Translated COVID-19 Videos“