Important Information for Patients, Clients & Visitors
For the latest COVID-19 news and information follow Northeast Health Wangaratta Facebook page.
Entry Policy
To help us keep our patients, carers, families and staff safe entry to Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) remains restricted due to the ongoing risk of COVID-19.
Hospital Entry Policy
ALL visitors:
- must check in using the Services Vic app
All visitors aged 18 and over:
- must wear an N95 mask* provided by Northeast Health
- if unable to wear an N95 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 Wangaratta will provide the RAT.
All visitors aged 8 to 17:
- must wear a surgical mask* provided by Northeast Health Wangaratta
Visiting patients and accompanying adult clients:
- Up to two (2) visitors per day, during visiting hours if patient is not in isolation and physical distancing can be maintained.
- Only one (1) visitor allowed at a time for up to two (2) hours per day.
Maternity Services & Clinics
- One (1) parent/guardian, partner or support person. This visitor is not restricted to the visiting hours.
- One (1) additional visitor can visit during visiting hours for up to two (2) hours, if patient is not in isolation and physical distancing can be maintained.
- Only one (1) visitor allowed at a time.
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.
Outpatient, community services and day stay:
- One (1) support person for all clients. Support persons may be excluded from exam rooms in-line with density quotients.
End-of-life visits:
- Patients/residents are restricted to two (2) visitors at one time.
- There are no time limits and no daily limit on visits.
Visiting hours: 12:00pm – 2:00pm AND 5:00pm – 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 07/04/2022
Emergency Department Entry Policy
If the Emergency Department is extremely busy and physical distancing is unable to be maintained, visitors in the waiting room may be asked to leave to accommodate other patients.
ALL visitors:
- must check in using Services Vic app
All visitors aged 18 and over:
- must wear an N95 mask* provided by Northeast Health
- if unable to tolerate an N95 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 Wangaratta will provide the RAT.
All visitors aged 8 to 17:
- must wear a surgical mask* provided by Northeast Health Wangaratta
Adult patients:
Following approval, one (1) visitor per patient if patient is not in isolation and 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:
One (1) support person per patient with appropriate education around infectious risks if patient is 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 07/04/2022
Community Care Centre Entry Policy
ALL clients, patients and support persons:
- must check in using Services Vic app
All clients, patients and support persons aged 18 and over:
- must wear an N95 mask* provided by Northeast Health Wangaratta
- if unable to tolerate an N95 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 clients, patients and support persons aged 8 to 17:
- must wear a surgical mask* provided by Northeast Health Wangaratta
Adult clients and patients:
One (1) support person for all clients. Support persons may be excluded from exam rooms in-line with density quotients.
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 07/04/2022
COVID-19 Vaccination and Screening Clinic information
Drive-thru Screening Clinic (COVID-19 testing)
Vincent Road Screening Clinic
PCR tests and RATs are available on:
Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
8.00am - 11.00am
CLOSED Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday
53-61 Tone Road, Wangaratta VIC 3677
Access via Vincent Road
NO appointments required
When attending the Screening Clinic please remain in your vehicle at all times and follow staff instructions.
Pre-register online for COVID-19 Testing
Complete an online COVID-19 Testing Registration form to receive a unique registration number that is valid for 90 days and can be used for multiple tests.
Create a COVID-19 plan for you or someone you are caring for.pdf
Bring your Medicare card to the testing site.
A positive result on a RAT is treated the same way as a positive PCR test and all positive results must be reported at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/report
If you test positive to COVID-19, or have been told you are a contact, visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checklist for information on what to do next.
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic
Phone: 1800 571 121
53-61 Tone Road, Wangaratta VIC 3677
Tuesday and Thursday: 10.30am - 6pm
Closed Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are available at the clinic. Novavax is only available on Thursdays.
Novavax is the fourth COVID-19 vaccine to be approved for use in Australia. It is available to people aged 18 and over as a primary course (first and second dose).
COVID-19 third (booster) dose:
You are eligible for your booster if you are 18 and older and had your second vaccination three or more months ago.
COVID-19 fourth (winter) dose:
Those eligible for a fourth dose are people who have already received their third dose from the following groups:
- adults aged 65 years and older
- residents of aged care or disability care facilities
- people aged 16 years and older who are severely immunocompromised
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and older.
They can receive their winter dose 4 months after receiving their third dose, or from 4 months after a confirmed COVID-19 infection, if infection has occurred since the person’s third dose.
Pfizer and Moderna are the preferred vaccines for the winter dose.
Children aged 5-11:
Children aged 5-11 can now walk in to receive their vaccination.
By vaccinating your children, you can:
- Reduce the spread of COVID-19
- Protect them from getting sick from COVID-19
- Keep schools open, so children can have more face-to-face learning and playtime with their friends.
For information about getting vaccinated including how to prepare and what to expect please visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine
There are also other locations in Wangaratta where you can get your vaccination - Where can I get vaccinated in Wangaratta.pdf
Download a complete list of all vaccination clinics in the region - Where to get vaccinated - by Shire.pdf
Disability Support
If you or a person you know lives with a disability and needs additional support to get a COVID-19 vaccination at the Northeast Health Wangaratta Vaccination Clinic, please contact David our Disability Liaison Officer.
Phone: 0427 416 960
Email: disability.support@nhw.org.au
I’m getting a COVID-19 Vaccination social story.pdf
I'm getting a Covid-19 Vaccination social story video
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
Resources for your health and wellbeing during COVID-19
For the most current information please visit;
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
Mensline Australia or 1300 789 978
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.
