Hospital Entry Policy

All visitors aged 8 and over to our Emergency Department, Imaging Department and wards:

• • must wear a surgical mask* provided by Northeast Health covering nose and mouth
  • if unable to wear a mask, you must show proof of vaccination (two doses) OR have a negative result from a rapid antigen test (RAT) taken on the day of the visit. Northeast Health will provide the RAT.

The requirement to wear a face mask does not apply if the people communicating require visibility of the mouth to communicate effectively, for example due to a hearing impairment.

Masks are currently not required in our Community Care Centre.

Visiting patients and accompanying adult clients:

• Two (2) visitors per visiting session, during visiting hours if patient is not in isolation and physical distancing can be maintained.
• Two (2) support persons for labour and birth.
• Changeover of visitors should occur outside of the ward, eg café or outside.

Maternity Services & Clinics

• Two (2) people at any one time during visiting hours. This includes the nominated parent/guardian, partner or support person, and/or children. Visitors are to remain in the patient’s room while visiting.
• One (1) nominated parent/guardian, partner or support person. This visitor is not restricted to visiting hours.
  
• Visitors cannot remain unattended in the patient's room with the baby without the express permission of the parent/partner or Midwife in Charge.

Paediatric & Special Care Nursery (SCN) patients (under 18 years):

• Two (2) parents, guardians or carers per patient where physical distancing requirements can be maintained. Not restricted to visiting hours.
• Child visitors to the Paediatric Ward may be restricted in line with COVID precautions and/or if 1.5 metres physical distancing of cannot be maintained.
• No child visitors permitted in Special Care Nursery. Adult visitors swap out with one of the partners and cannot be unattended in the SCN without the express permission and presence of a parent/partner or Midwife in Charge.

Outpatient, community services and day stay:

• Two (2) support persons for all clients. Support persons may be excluded from exam rooms if 5 metres physical distancing of cannot be maintained.

End-of-life visits:

• Patients/resident visitors are unrestricted, unless COVID precautions and/or if 1.5 metres physical distancing of cannot be maintained.
• There are no time limits and no daily limit on visits.

Visiting hours: 
8:00am – 1:00pm AND 3:00pm – 8:00pm
ICU 11:00am – 2:00pm AND 4:00pm – 7:00pm

*Unless exemption applies, in which case a face shield will be provided.
Exemptions to the above may be given as approved according to NHW Visitor Policy on prompt.
An exemption letter will be provided to present to concierge to enter the hospital.

Entry policy updated on 29/02/2024

Emergency Department Entry Policy

If the Emergency Department is extremely busy and 1.5 metres physical distancing is unable to be maintained, visitors in the waiting room may be asked to leave to accommodate other patients.

All visitors aged 8 and over:

• must wear a surgical mask* provided by Northeast Health covering nose and mouth
• if unable to tolerate a mask, must show proof of vaccination (two doses) OR have a negative result from a rapid antigen test (RAT) taken on the day of the visit. 
  Northeast Health can provide a RAT for this purpose.

The requirement to wear a face mask does not apply if the people communicating require visibility of the mouth to communicate effectively, for example due to a hearing impairment.

Adult patients:

• Following approval, two (2) visitors per patient if patient is not in isolation and 1.5 metres physical distancing can be maintained.

Paediatric patients (under 18 years):

• Two (2) parents, guardians or carers per patient.

Dependent, mental health, dementia or delirium patients:

• Two (2) support persons per patient with appropriate education around infectious risks if patient in isolation.

*Unless an exemption applies, in which case a face shield will be provided.

Exemptions to the above may be given as approved by Nurse In Charge or senior doctor for critically ill patients, end-of-life care or complex disability.

It is often not possible to wait with patients on ambulance trolleys awaiting cubicles, particularly in isolation. We will do our best to keep you informed and updated about off load time.

If you have any concerns please speak to the screening staff or ask to speak to the Nurse In Charge.

Entry policy updated on 15/01/2024

Community Care Centre Entry Policy

Masks are currently not required to be worn in the Community Care Centre.

Adult clients and patients:

• Two (2) support persons allowed for all clients.
• Dependents of adult clients and patients may attend.
• Support persons may be excluded from exam rooms if 1.5 metres physical distancing of cannot be maintained.

Paediatric clients and patients (under 18 years):

• Two (2) parents, guardians or carers allowed per patient.

If you have any concerns please speak to the screening staff or ask to speak to the service manager.

Entry policy updated on 29/02/2024