Visiting Hours

Restrictions due to COVID-19

The World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a pandemic, meaning the virus is established on all continents (with the exception of Antarctica). We are asking for your understanding that you consider not visiting the hospital unless you are an immediate family member or carer of the patient. The ongoing requirement for physical (social) distancing means that we will continue to limit the number of visitors to our facilities.

Each patient will only be allowed to be visited by two visitors at any one time due to COVID-19 social distancing regulationgs.

Please note that the Government’s requirement for a minimum of 2 square metres per person in an indoor space and 1.5 metres social distancing means there are to be only two visitors per patient at any one time per room.

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our hospital communities Healthe Care has mandated the following Visitor Restrictions.

• Until 14 days have lapsed from returning or arriving from overseas (flight/cruise), interstate travel; AND/OR
• Have been in close contact with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 in the previous 14 days; AND/OR
• Diagnosed with COVID-19 (unless no longer directed to be self-isolated); AND/OR
• Have a fever (even if mild) or respiratory illness like symptoms (a cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, tiredness and breathing difficulties); AND/OR
• A recent loss of the sense of smell? OR an altered sense of taste? you must follow the advice of the public health authorities AND

DO NOT ENTER THE HOSPITAL OR VISIT OUR PATIENTS FOR 14 DAYS

If you are unwell and require urgent medical attention you should contact your GP or call 000 for an ambulance (this will work even without phone credit).

Visiting Restrictions

• All visitors (including essential contractors or representatives) will be screened at entry to the hospital before access is granted to the hospital. This includes recording your temperature. If your temperature is over 37.5°C you are not permitted to enter the hospital
• At Birth
  • During birth, Visitors are restricted to the patient's partner and one support person
• Visiting hours to the Maternity Ward are from 10am-3pm and 5pm -8pm daily with a strict quiet period from 3pm-5pm.
• Visitors are restricted to two per patient at any one time, per room.
• Visitors to the Special Care Nursery are limited to partners only.
• Patients and visitors who reside or work in identified hot spots are restricted from visiting all NSW Hospitals site. Any exception will need to be discussed with the Hospital executive (e.g. in the case of an emergency or where treatment or care should not be delayed).

Upon entry to the hospital and during your visit, please practice simple hygiene by:

• Making sure to clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow AND

Practice physical (social) distancing by:

• Attempting to keep a distance of 1.5 metres (5 feet) between you and other people where possible. If you are required to move closer than 1.5 metres, ensure that the time does not exceed 15 minutes
• Avoid shaking hands, hugging, touching or kissing other people or sharing food
• Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms
• If you are asked to wear a surgical face mask, after putting it on to cover your nose and mouth, do not touch the front of the mask and remove it using the ear loops or head straps
• Dispose of the used mask into a waste bin and perform hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol hand rub

We are also encouraging visitors to download the Australian Government’s COVIDSafe app, which is designed to provide early notification of possible exposure.

If you are concerned please contact healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or the Public Health Unit for further information on 1300 066 055.