EFFECTIVE FRIDAY 16 July 2021

Visitor restrictions:

Under the updated directions issued late yesterday, no visitors are permitted onsite, except for permitted purposes (see below) and end-of-life visits.

Patients are restricted to two visitors at one time, with no more than two visitors per day for the following permitted purposes:

• Provide essential care or support for the patient’s immediate physical or emotional wellbeing.
• Is the parent, carer or guardian of a person under the age of
• As a nominated person (as defined in the Mental Health Act 2014).
• As an interpreter or to provide language
• To learn to support the patient or resident’s care upon
• Accompany to emergency department or
• Is immediate family (including kinship) of a patient with life-threatening

The partner or support person of a patient in maternity care can visit at all hours.

Visiting hours:

 9:30am-11:30am & 5:00pm-7:00 pm Weekdays

10:00am-2:00pm Weekends

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time

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.