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.

COVID-19 Support Booklet

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27 July 2020 – Important news – UPDATE:

The Victorian Chief Health Officer recently requested that all hospitals tighten up access requirements across the state, and South Gippsland Hospital has aligned its processes with the directions that were issued.

As of last Thursday, our patients can only have one visitor per day, for no more than one hour. Additionally, only the partner/support person of our women admitted in our maternity care service are permitted to visit. Prior to giving birth, there are no time limits on how long a partner/support person can stay. However, following the birth, 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 dedicated team will discuss all of this in the lead up to an admission. Our maternity care team understand how difficult this is for all concerned.

Exceptions to these requirements can only be authorised by the Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Ms Marion Bowron. Full details: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/visiting-hospitals-covid-19…

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:
  • breathing difficulties such as breathlessness
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • runny nose
  • 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. Quick trips to the toilet can be made 🙂
• 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).
• If you have been to Melbourne or Mitchell Shire in the last two (2) weeks, please refrain from visiting the hospital unless you’re seeking medical treatment (such as for urgent care presentations).
• 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):
  • 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.

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?

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