Hospital Entry Policy

All visitors aged 18 and over:

• must wear an a surgical mask* provided by Northeast Health
• 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.

All visitors aged 8 to 17:

• must wear a surgical mask* provided by Northeast Health

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.

Maternity Services & Clinics

• One (1) nominated parent/guardian, partner or support person. This visitor is not restricted to the visiting hours.
• One (1) additional adult visitor can visit during visiting hours, if patient is not in isolation and 1.5 metres physical distancing of can be maintained.

Paediatric & Special Care Nursery 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.

Outpatient, community services and day stay:

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

End-of-life visits:

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

Visiting hours:  11.00am – 2:00pm AND 4:00pm – 7:00pm

*Unless an 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 the concierge to enter the hospital.

Entry policy updated on 24/02/2023

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 18 and over:

• Must wear a surgical mask* provided by Northeast Health
• 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

All visitors aged 8 to 17:

• Must wear a surgical mask* provided by Northeast Health

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 24/02/2023

Community Care Centre Entry Policy

All clients, patients and support persons aged 18 and over:

• Must wear a surgical mask* provided by Northeast Health
• If unable to wear a mask, you must demonstrate proof of vaccination OR demonstrate a negative result from a rapid antigen test (RAT) taken on the day of the visit. Northeast Health Wangaratta can provide the RAT upon request.

All clients, patients and support persons aged 8 to 17:

• Must wear a surgical mask* provided by Northeast Health

Adult clients and patients:

• Two (2) support person 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 per patient.

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

Exemptions to the above may be given as approved by the service manager for critically ill patients, end-of-life care or complex disability.

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

Entry policy updated on 24/02/2023

It is recommended that you have Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) at home in case you need to test for COVID-19. Many local councils, including the Rural City of Wangaratta (RCoW) are offering free RATs as they are the easiest way to test for COVID-19.

You can collect:

• Two packs of 5 RATs (10 tests) per person
• an extra two packs for each person in your household.

People with disability and their carers can get four packs of 5 RATs (20 tests)

You do not require a Medicare card.

You can collect your free RATs from the following places;
RCoW Customer Service
Wangaratta Government Centre
62-68 Ovens Street

Wangaratta Library
21 Docker Street
Wangaratta VIC 3677

You can collect RATs as many times as you need. If you run out of RATs, you are welcome to collect more.

You should take a RAT:

• if you have COVID-19 symptoms, even if they’re very mild
• if you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19
• before visiting a hospital, aged care facility, or disability care facility
• before visiting elderly people, people with disability or people at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness.

COVID-19 can spread before you have symptoms. You can protect others by checking that you are negative before you leave home.

If you require a PCR test, you will need to visit a GP Respiratory Clinic or have a GP referral to a private pathology provider.

For the most up-to-date information on getting tested for COVID-19 in Victoria, including where to access free RATs in the region visit https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/get-a-covid-19-test 

COVID-19 Test Results

You should get your test results within 2 days of being tested for COVID-19. You will usually receive a text message or phone call about your results. Sometimes there are delays and it can take longer.

If you have been unable to obtain your results, call the Coronavirus Test Results Hotline on 1800 573 222.

Coronavirus Test Results Hotline
Phone: 1800 573 222
Monday to Friday - 8.00am to 6.00pm

The hotline can provide confirmation of a negative coronavirus (COVID-19) result verbally or via text message only. If you require a letter or other form of documentation of your result (such as for travel, medical, work or educational purposes) you should contact a general practitioner who can obtain your result and provide suitable documentation.

For more information about getting your COVID-19 test results please visit: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/getting-your-results-covid-19

COVID-19 Vaccination 

Northeast Health Wangaratta's Vaccination Clinic on Tone Road has now CLOSED.

COVID-19 vaccinations can be received through the Public Health Network at participating GP clinics and Pharmacies.
Please see https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking/ for further information.

Disability Support

If you or a person you know lives with a disability and needs additional support to get a COVID-19 vaccination, please contact David our Disability Liaison Officer.

Phone: 0427 416 960
Email: disability.support@nhw.org.au

For more information about COVID-19 vaccinations for people with a disability or special requirements, and their carers please visit https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-information-people-disability

For the most current information please visit;

Rural City Of Wangaratta

Financial Counselling Australia National Debt Helpline

DHHS Coronavirus disease (COVID – 19)

Business.gov.au - Early Access to Superannuation

Business.gov.au - Coronavirus information and support for business

Centrelink – Income Support affected by Coronavirus

Create a COVID-19 plan for you or someone you are caring for.pdf

Life Line  or call 131 114 (24 hours 7 days)

Beyond Blue

Black Dog Institute

Reach out

Mensline Australia or 1300 789 978

Kids Helpline

Mindful.org

Headspace 12 - 25 year olds
Headspace provides free online and phone support and counselling to young people 12-25 and their families and friends

Headspace - How to start a Journal

Headspace - Coping with stress during COVID-19

Headspace - Learn how to handle tough times

eHeadspace
Connect 1-on-1, you can connect 1-on-1 from 9.00am to 1.00am, 7 days a week 
Group chat online, call 1800 650 890 (mobile charges will apply), but if you let the team member know you are calling from a mobile they will call you back.