Update 28 September 2020
The Victorian Chief Health Officer recently updated hospital visitor directions across the state, and South Gippsland Hospital has aligned its processes with the directions that were issued.
Our patients can still only have one visitor per day, for up to two hours. Additionally, only the partner/support person of our women admitted in our maternity care service are permitted to visit. Prior to giving birth, there is no time limit on how long a partner/support person can stay. However, following the birth and transfer from the birth suite to the ward, visits are limited to one per day for a maximum of two hours. We understand that this will be distressing news to women and families and we will support them the best we can.
There are some circumstances where we can make exceptions and our team will discuss all of this in the lead up to an admission. Our care team understand how difficult this is for all concerned.
Exceptions to these requirements can only be authorised by the Director of Nursing, Claire Kent.
Full details:
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/202009/Hospital%20Visitor%20Directions%20(No%2012)%20-%20signed%2027%20September%202020.pdf
Access requirements:
• If you’re over 18 years, a mask will be provided when entering the hospital and you should wear the mask throughout the visit until you exit the hospital. You can bring your own cloth mask. For those who cannot wear a mask, a face shield may be provided.
• Your temperature will be checked on arrival to the hospital (or Community Health Centre) by one of our security guards or general services staff. Your name and contact details will be collected, as well as time of entry and exit.
• You will be asked to use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser on arrival, and requested to continue to conduct hand hygiene regularly during your time limited stay (eg after touching hand rails and every time you enter or exit a patient’s room).
• Please note that symptom and temperature screening is now shared across the main entrance of the hospital and the Community Health Centre (CHC) on weekdays. This may mean that CHC clients will need to be screened at the hospital entrance.
• You will not be permitted to enter the hospital (to visit) or the CHC (for a consultation) if you have a temperature higher than 37.5 degrees or symptoms of acute respiratory infection such as:
o breathing difficulties such as breathlessness
o cough
o sore throat
o runny nose
o loss of sense of smell or taste
• There are signs at every entrance providing clear directions; please take time to study these on arrival.
• Please stay in the patient’s room at all times and limit movement around the building.
• When your visit is over, please leave the hospital (via the main entrance) as soon as you can.
• If you are coming to the hospital for a pre-admission appointment or theatre procedure you can bring a support person (only if needed).
• Remember the Foster Medical Centre is our local Respiratory Clinic.
• You may enter the Jones Street entrance to access the South Gippsland Radiology service.
• Visiting Hours (until further notice):
o 9.30am to 11.30am & 5.00pm to 7.00pm Monday to Friday and 10.00am to 1.00pm on Weekends
We thank you for and appreciate your understanding during these times and apologise for the inconvenience.
The health of our community, patients, visitors and staff is our biggest priority during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
COVID-19 Local Support Booklet
The South Coast Primary and Community Partnership with South Gippsland Shire Council and Bass Coast Shire Council have developed a local support booklet in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
The booklet is available to download below – and online on South Gippsland Shire Council’s, Bass Coast Shire Council’s and the South Coast Primary and Community Partnership’s websites.
Health Services are here to support good mental health and wellbeing.
COVID-19 has impacted the whole community this year and has forced us to live our lives in ways we could never imagine. These changes have impacted us all differently. For many of us our mental health and wellbeing has been impacted in some way.
Mental Health Month runs each year during October and given our current circumstances is as important as ever to celebrate and promote positive mental health and wellbeing.
Mental Health Month encourages all of us to think about our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether we may have a lived experience of mental illness or not. The campaign puts a focus on positive mental health and wellbeing in the workplace and in community. It also gives the opportunity to understand the importance of good mental health in everyday lives, encourages help seeking behaviours, provides simple tips and ideas to support good mental health and wellbeing and will work to reduce any stigma associated with mental health.
The changes brought about by COVID-19 are impacting us all, as a result, with the support of the South Coast Primary and Community Partnership our three local health services, Bass Coast Health, Gippsland Southern Health Service and South Gippsland Hospital are getting behind Mental Health Month 2020. Staff from each of the Health Services will be featured on the hospital social media pages promoting their top tips for good mental health throughout the month of October.
“Small actions can create big changes to your mental health and wellbeing,” said Jan Child, CEO at Bass Coast Health, who supports her staff and volunteers with regular mental health tips in The Weekly, Bass Coast Health’s staff and volunteer newsletter. “Talking about our mental health and wellbeing is one way we can help promote good mental health habits” she adds.
“Mental health issues will affect 1 in 5 Australians every year. Anxiety disorders are often the most common mental health challenge, followed by depression,” said Paul Greenhalgh, CEO of South Gippsland Hospital. “Nearly a third of Australian workers are affected by mental illness annually, and many do not seek help because of stigma,” he added.
“How we take care of our mental health will look a bit different for everyone. Follow the three health services social media pages throughout October to see our staff share advice and ideas on how they look after their mental health and where you and your family can get help.” encouraged Mark Johnson, CEO at Gippsland Southern Health Service.
The South Coast Primary and Community Partnership has produced a Community Guide to Mental Health and Wellbeing Services in Bass Coast and South Gippsland. The Guide includes ideas for looking after your own mental health as well as where to get help if you need it.
If you or someone you care for needs immediate assistance you can contact-
Lifeline
13 11 14 – 24 hours a day
BEYOND BLUE: Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service – 1800 512 348
https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/?utm_campaign=hp_banner
Feeling worried or struggling to cope during the Coronavirus pandemic?
Beyond Blue trained counsellors are there to support you 24/7.
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