OPERATIONS BULLETIN – 3 FEBRUARY

First deadline for mandatory third dose only nine days away

Our records indicate that we still have a large number of staff who have either:

1. a) not yet had their third dose, or
2. b) supplied evidence of having received a third dose through a health service other than Western Health,

or c) supplied evidence of having a medical exemption.

From 12 February, eligible staff who have not provided evidence of a third dose or a medical exemption will be unable to continue to work at Western Health. Could I please ask that you prioritise getting your third dose, providing evidence that you have received it elsewhere or provide evidence of medical exemption..

If you get your dose at one of our hubs or through our vaccination outreach team, there is nothing more you need to do.

If you have received your vaccination elsewhere, including another health service or a GP or pharmacist, please email your Immunisation History Statement from Medicare online, your name as it appears on your pay slip and your employee number to covidvaccination@wh.org.au so that we can update our records.

If you have a medical exemption, please provide a copy of your COVID digital certificate to your manager who will forward a copy to your People and Culture Business Partner. Please note, a medical certificate or letter is no longer acceptable evidence.

A staff member can qualify for a temporary vaccine medical exemption for up to 4 months after having COVID-19 (which must be confirmed by PCR test, not a rapid antigen test). However, the latest clinical advice is that people can safely receive a vaccine dose after their symptoms have subsided and they are well. Western Health strongly encourages all of our staff to get their third dose as soon as you are able to, to optimise your protection against all COVID variants.

Staff returning to work after being a household, social or workplace contact

A reminder that staff who have returned to work and have identified as a social or workplace contact or who have an exemption to work as a household or household-like contact must wear an N95 mask and must not use indoor shared break areas with their mask off until 14 days following their exposure. A number of outdoor break areas are available across our sites as outlined below.

The exception to this is night shift staff where managers are encouraged to use a rostering system for available break areas to enable staff to use an indoor break area on their own. It is recommended that when using break areas, staff remove their masks only for the period of time they are eating and drinking.

Sunshine

• WCHRE courtyard
• Courtyard near coffee cart and retail pharmacy
• Marquee near JKWC entrance
• Marquee outside Portable Building 1

Footscray

• Ground Floor Courtyard
• Level 1 outdoor courtyard

Williamstown and Sunbury

• Both sites have shaded outdoor areas suitable for breaks

Bacchus Marsh

• Palliative care garden

Melton

• Marquee next to generator room.

Reminder for staff experiencing symptoms

Staff who have even the mildest of symptoms should not attend work and get tested.  Symptomatic staff who attend the Sunshine COVID Testing Clinic will be provided with a PCR test.  Staff who have symptoms but have recorded a negative RAT test should attend the Sunshine Clinic for a further PCR test to confirm their result.  A negative RAT should not be used to exclude COVID if symptomatic.

PCR tests for patients

A reminder that all patients who are symptomatic should have a confirmatory PCR test if they return a negative rapid antigen test. A rapid antigen test should not be used to exclude COVID if symptomatic.

Changes to opening hours - Sunshine COVID Testing Clinic

From Monday, 7 February, the opening hours for the Sunshine COVID Testing Clinic will be:

Asymptomatic testing: 7.15am – 4.30pm

Symptomatic testing:  9am – 4.30pm

Household members of staff: 10.30am – 4pm