The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District is implementing tighter restrictions on visiting hospital patients with only one visitor permitted at a time.
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ISLHD chief executive Margot Mains said the changes are in response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, and the increase in locally acquired COVID cases in NSW.
"It is crucial that we remain vigilant in our response to COVID-19 and the preventative measures we put in place," Ms Mains said.
"Limiting the number of people we have coming in and out of our facilities is an important part of keeping our patients, staff and community safe from the spread of COVID.
"Visitor restrictions will be constantly reviewed as we move through this pandemic and we will make further changes, as required, in order to keep everyone as safe as possible".
From Friday only one visitor is permitted at any one time for each patient.
Visiting hours have not changed yet and for the time being remain from 10am to 1pm and 3pm to 7pm.
Children of a patient, aged under 16, may be allowed to visit, if permitted by the nurse in charge.
The child must be supervised by the adult visitor at all times.
There may be some exemptions to visiting hours and restrictions where the nurse in charge permits longer visiting hours.
Those circumstances include:
- Paediatric and Neonatal - Children can have both parents/carers at any time with no restrictions on the length of visit.
- End of life - Where a patient is receiving end of life care, visitors will be limited only to the extent required to minimise any risk.
- Maternity and Birthing - During labour and birth, mothers are able to be supported by up to two people. Postnatal, the partner/support person can visit for unrestricted time periods between 8am and 8pm. up to two visitors at any one time are able to be present during general hospital visiting hours from 10am to 1pm and 3pm to 7pm.
Patients with confirmed COVID-19 or suspected COVID-19 can not be visited unless approved by the hospital general manager, COVID ward operations manager or their after-hours delegate.
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District also advises:
- COVID-19 visitor screening and temperature taking at the entrance of hospitals will continue.
- When visiting the hospital please remember that physical distancing rules apply at all times.
- Stay 1.5 metres apart from anyone you encounter in the hospital.
- People are also reminded they should not be visiting patients in hospital if you they are unwell or have been tested for COVID and are awaiting results.
The Local Health District website has more information:
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
