In light of the current COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation, the health and safety of our patients, visitors, clients, and staff are of the utmost priority to us at Northeast Health Wangaratta. To ensure the safety of all we are taking unprecedented protective measures against COVID-19 (Coronavirus) spread, while continuing to maintain high-quality health services.
Northeast Health Wangaratta will soon open its pre-Emergency Department access screening tent in addition to other health service access preventative measures.
Interim Chief Executive Officer, Tim Griffiths said “This pre-screening will apply to everyone who presents to our Emergency Department to determine whether they have signs or symptoms of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) before entering the building”.
The pre-screening will enable the Emergency Departments skilled staff to screen, and in some cases, divert those who need specific COIVID-19 (Coronavirus) care away from the Emergency Department to be swabbed”, Mr Griffiths said.
Mr Griffiths said, “Northeast Health Wangaratta has restricted visitors accessing the health service to look after the welfare of our patients and staff during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation”.
“International experience is showing that if the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation escalates the health of our patients and that of the staff working in healthcare is a priority”, Mr Griffiths said.
“As of Midnight on Monday 23rd March, only one visitor per patient. Maternity ward restrictions allow one support person throughout maternity care. Unfortunately, no children or grandparents please”, Mr Griffiths said.
For outpatient services and appointments, the restriction will be one visitor accompanying a patient. This includes Community Care Centre and Day Surgery Admissions.
These restrictions are part of Northeast Health Wangaratta’s progressive COVID-19 (Coronavirus) prevention measures. These measures are to reduce community contact in a bid to lower the risk of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) spreading in our community. Further visitor restrictions may be announced in due course.