I wasn’t expecting to be sending out another bulletin so soon but, as you would no doubt be aware, the situation has changed significantly overnight with the identification of several positive COVID cases in our region.
As a result, Western Health is reverting to the COVID Active (Red) risk rating. The Department of Health’s COVID risk rating system guides our decisions around important topics such as the use of PPE and visitor restrictions. The following restrictions will be familiar to you all, but please take the time to read through the below. The latest outbreak in Melbourne’s west is of concern, and it’s important we take the necessary precautions to keep each other safe.
Meanwhile, I want to thank our colleagues in the Western Public Health Unit, as well as our COVID vaccination and testing teams, who work particularly hard during these outbreak periods.
CROSS-SITE TRAVEL
In line with our COVID Active status, movement across sites is now restricted to one site.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Face-to-face education sessions are only permitted for mandatory training requirements or for practical clinical skills
TELEHEALTH
Telehealth is recommended for all outpatient appointments, where possible. Therapy groups for inpatients, outpatients, community-based rehab and hydrotherapy will be suspended under the current COVID risk level of COVID Active.
VISITORS
In COVID Active, visitation is restricted to the following reasons only:
- Care and Support for physical and emotional wellbeing including mental health
- Parents of children aged under 18
- For language support
- End-of-life care and life-threatening conditions
- Carer training; to learn to support a patient who is being discharged
- Support person for maternity patient
- Accompanying a patient to ED, if necessary
Please see the visitation guidance for specific details.
We understand these restrictions are very difficult for our patients and their loved ones. These guidelines are in place to keep our patients, staff, visitors and communities safe.
PPE
All staff must comply with the PPE guidelines that apply under the COVID Active Red Risk Rating. This includes the requirement for all staff to wear surgical masks, unless alone in an office with a closed door.
For more details, see the PPE section of the COVID microsite.
EXPOSURE SITES
It’s vital we all check the Victorian Government’s list of exposure sites at least twice a day. Not only are new sites being continually added, but the tier status of existing exposure sites can also change.
If you have been to one of the listed exposure sites, please contact our COVID Staff Enquiries at whscovid-19staffclinicenquiries@wh.org.au
PFIZER VACCINES
A reminder that all Western Health are now eligible to get the Pfizer vaccine. Make your booking here.
Thanks for reading.
Regards
Natasha