Visiting Hours

Restrictions due to COVID-19 - AMBER ALERT

Our visiting policies have changed so we are aligned with NSW Health’s visiting regulations for public hospitals.

The World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a pandemic, meaning the virus is established on all continents (with the exception of Antarctica). We are asking for your understanding that you consider not visiting the hospital unless you are an immediate family member or carer of the patient. The ongoing requirement for physical (social) distancing means that we will continue to limit the number of visitors to our facilities.

Arrangements can be made for palliative / end of life patients.

Please note that the Government’s requirement for a minimum of 4 square metres per person in an indoor space and 1.5 metres social distancing means that the time limit for visitors is limited to two hours, and may have to be staggered.

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our hospital communities Healthe Care has mandated the following Visitor Restrictions.

• Until 14 days have lapsed from returning or arriving from overseas (flight/cruise), interstate travel; AND/OR
• Have been in close contact with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 in the previous 14 days; AND/OR
• Diagnosed with COVID-19 (unless no longer directed to be self-isolated); AND/OR
• Have a fever (even if mild) or respiratory illness like symptoms (a cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, tiredness and breathing difficulties); AND/OR
• A recent loss of the sense of smell? OR an altered sense of taste? you must follow the advice of the public health authorities AND

DO NOT ENTER THE HOSPITAL OR VISIT OUR PATIENTS FOR 14 DAYS

If you are unwell and require urgent medical attention you should contact your GP or call 000 for an ambulance (this will work even without phone credit).

Visiting Restrictions

We support family and friends visiting but do ask that all visitors observe visiting hours and respect the privacy of our patients.

During COVID-19 we have reduced our visitation policy to adhere to the lockdown orders. From 10am Saturday 16 October, two (2) visitors are allowed per patient per day for a duration of one (1) hour as long as each visitor is;

• at least 12 years of age
• Able to provide evidence of two doses of TGA approved COVID-19 vaccine when they enter the facility (e.g. via Medicare)
• Wears a surgical mask (blue one we provide) correctly on entry and in the facility for the duration of their visit
• Unvaccinated visitors can be considered for end of life patients – with permission from management
• Essential workers such as doctors and nurses have permission to travel and enter the hospital, following all mandated guidelines

Visiting hours are – 10am – 6pm Mon-Fri, 10am – 2pm Sat & Sun.

Practice physical (social) distancing by:

• Attempting to keep a distance of 1.5 metres (5 feet) between you and other people where possible. If you are required to move closer than 1.5 metres, ensure that the time does not exceed 15 minutes
• Avoid shaking hands, hugging, touching or kissing other people or sharing food
• Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms
• If you are asked to wear a surgical face mask, after putting it on to cover your nose and mouth, do not touch the front of the mask and remove it using the ear loops or head straps
• Dispose of the used mask into a waste bin and perform hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol hand rub

We are also encouraging visitors to download the Australian Government’s COVIDSafe app, which is designed to provide early notification of possible exposure.

If you are concerned please contact healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or the Public Health Unit for further information on 1300 066 055.

The hospital is reachable via phone 24/7. Please note our main reception hours below and be advised that during after hours, our phones are diverted to the nurses stations. Our patients take priority over the phones so sometimes there are delays in phone answering. Please do try again.

Reception Hours

• Monday to Friday 8:00am - 6:00pm
• Saturday 8:30am - 12:30pm

Visiting Areas

In consideration of all patients and visitors, please be mindful of noise levels and COVID restrictions when using our common areas. We have a comfortable and warm coffee/tea seating area in the foyer of the hospital as well as a beautiful Therapy Garden in our centre courtyard. All with limited seating to abide by COVID restrictions presently.

Save time by Pre-Screening

Save time on the day of your visit to the hospital, by completing our pre-screening questionnaire on your smart phone athttps://screen.healthe.care/forster or by scanning the QR code below: