Please note we have new processes in place for entry to our hospital, due to COVID 19

Visiting a patient

Visiting hours are now restricted to the following hours:
9.30am-11.30am
5.00pm-7.00pm

• There will be screening of ALL visitors for COVID19
  Temperature checks may be taken
• When visiting patients enter through the main entrance (only) and report to Reception
• We ask that you sign the visitor book located at Main Reception and the Ward Nurse Station 

The following visitor rules are in place:

• One visitor per patient at a time, up to 1 hour at a time
  (unless there are exceptional circumstances)
• Maintain social distancing

Urgent Care

• Entry through the Ambulance Entry (Near Radiology)
• Press the Nurse button and wait for a nurse to see you

Radiology Appointment

• There will be screening of ALL visitors for COVID19
  Temperature checks may be taken
• Entry through the Ambulance Entry (Near Radiology)
• Report to the Radiology Reception

Visiting for other Reasons

• There will be screening of ALL visitors for COVID19
  Temperature checks may be taken
• Enter through the main entrance (only) and report to Reception

Thank you for your understanding in implementing the processed required.

Coronavirus (COVID-19):  PUBLIC NOTICE

If you have a fever or respiratory symptoms (such as cough, sore throat, shortness of breath) and are concerned you may have COVID-19, because of recent international travel or being in close contact with a confirmed case, PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THE HOSPITAL TO VISIT ANYONE.

If you have the above symptoms and are seeking a medical assessment:

• ALL HOURS: It is best to speak with the Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 prior to attending either Centre.
• BUSINESS HOURS: Call the Foster Medical Centre reception on 5682 2088.
• AFTER HOURS: Please phone the hospital on 5683 9777 before arriving.
• When you arrive perform hand hygiene, don a mask located at the hospital entrances, and then proceed to the Urgent Care Centre.

If you have none of the above symptoms:

Feel free to visit the hospital during our new visiting hours-

Visiting hours are now restricted to the following hours:
9.30am-11.30am
5.00pm-7.00pm

• One visitor per patient at a time, up to 1 hour at a time
  (unless there are exceptional circumstances)
  Maintain social distancing

Please note we have new processes in place for entry to our hospital, due to COVID 19.

• There will be screening of ALL visitors for COVID19
  Temperature checks may be taken
• Enter through the main entrance and report to Reception
• We ask that you sign the visitor book located at Main Reception and the Ward Nurse Station 

If you are NOT seeking a medical assessment, but have the symptoms listed above, you can call the hospital on 5683 9777 to speak with the nurse in charge regarding any inpatient care matters.

This information is current at time of print and may change so please check our website regularly: www.southgippslandhospital.com.au

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION DURING THESE CHALLENGING TIMES

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) testing

As testing equipment is in high demand, there are now strict criteria to be met before we can test for COVID-19.

Note that during business hours, a drive through testing station will operate from Foster Medical Centre. Please contact them directly prior to arrival on 5682 2088.

To be tested, it is important that patients fall into one of the three categories of suspected case below:

A.  Patients that have clinical and epidemiological criteria, which means:  fever or acute respiratory infection AND international travel in the 14 days before onset of illness, or close contact in the 14 days before illness onset with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
Please note that casual contact is no longer a trigger for testing.

B.  Patients that have severe community-acquired pneumonia (who are critically ill) and no other cause is identified, with or without recent international travel.

C.  Patient is a healthcare worker with direct patient contact who has a fever (≥ 37.5) AND an acute respiratory infection (e.g. shortness of breath, cough, sore throat).

Please do not test outside these suspected case categories.

Thank you again for your valued contribution to this public health emergency.

Yours sincerely

Prof Brett Sutton ​
Victorian Chief Health Officer

Victorian Chief Human Biosecurity Officer

South Gippsland Hospital News:  Coronavirus update

With the current concerns about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), South Gippsland Hospital has reviewed its infection control processes, quarantine facilities and strategies to deal with this world wide virus .  There have been some minor changes to what was already in place, and the general public can be reassured that the hospital and medical services are well informed and can respond to any suspected or actual coronavirus cases detected locally.

The Foster health precinct receives regular updates from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and there is DHHS support available if required.

Our region is not exempt from exposure to the coronavirus disease, and it is important we all follow the recommended steps if we have travelled to the growing list of countries impacted by the virus, or come in contact with someone confirmed as having the disease. So whilst we ought not to panic, we need to understand what the symptoms are, what we can do to help (such as covering our coughs, employing hand hygiene, and self-quarantine when required). It is probably good to keep up to date with reliable information, and it may be worth checking out the public information on the Victorian Government’s website found at https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorian-public-coronavirus-disease-covid-19.