News

Reduction in visitor numbers at MBH

Sat, 25 Jul 2020 07:25:00

Mildura Base Hospital has reduced the number of visitors allowed for patients in line with a tightening of restrictions across the State during the COVID-19 pandemic.

From Thursday July 23, only one designated visitor will be allowed to visit hospital patients across all hospital wards and all visitors will be required to wear masks while they are inside the hospital.
Director of Nursing, Janet Hicks said the new measures were aimed at decreasing visitor movements through the hospital and reducing the risk of introducing COVID-19.
“We know that the virus is emerging in regional communities, so we are doing our best to be on the front foot in protecting patients, our health care workers and visitors,” Ms Hicks said.
“We have not had a case of COVID-19 in Mildura for more than two months, but we are undoubtedly in a high-risk period at the moment,” she said.
From Thursday, a maximum of one nominated visitor per patient admission can visit between the hours of 11am and 1pm and the maximum length of visit will be two hours. Additional visitors may be permitted on compassionate grounds and will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Access to Mildura Base Hospital is only via the main entrance.  Every visitor entering is temperature tested and assessed against a set of criteria before they can enter and will be provided a mask to wear if they do not have one.
MBH Director of Intensive Care Dr Alison Walker said it was important for patients and visitors to comply with the new arrangements and respect staff.
“We understand that these restrictions may cause anxiety for many people, especially when you want to see a loved one,” Dr Walker said.
“I would just ask members of our community to remember the restrictions are in place to protect our most vulnerable community members,” Dr Walker said.
Dr Walker said the best defences against COVID-19 remained unchanged.
“It’s straight forward and it’s everything we have been doing --- practice good hand hygiene; stay at least 1.5 metres away from others; understand the risks and symptoms; and get tested, even if your symptoms are mild,” she said.
“Getting tested when you are unwell is vitally important. Get tested and go straight home, don’t stop or detour anywhere on the way. When you get home, stay at home until you have your results.”
She also encouraged local residents to consider the advice of the Chief Health Officer when it comes to wearing face masks.
“People in regional areas have been asked to wear face masks when it is difficult to stay 1.5 metres away from others as face masks can be helpful in reducing the spread of COVID-19,” Dr Walker said.

Mildura Base Hospital has reduced the number of visitors allowed for patients in line with a tightening of restrictions across the State during the COVID-19 pandemic.
From Thursday July 23, only one designated visitor will be allowed to visit hospital patients across all hospital wards and all visitors will be required to wear masks while they are inside the hospital.
Director of Nursing, Janet Hicks said the new measures were aimed at decreasing visitor movements through the hospital and reducing the risk of introducing COVID-19.
“We know that the virus is emerging in regional communities, so we are doing our best to be on the front foot in protecting patients, our health care workers and visitors,” Ms Hicks said.
“We have not had a case of COVID-19 in Mildura for more than two months, but we are undoubtedly in a high-risk period at the moment,” she said.
From Thursday, a maximum of one nominated visitor per patient admission can visit between the hours of 11am and 1pm and the maximum length of visit will be two hours. Additional visitors may be permitted on compassionate grounds and will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Access to Mildura Base Hospital is only via the main entrance.  Every visitor entering is temperature tested and assessed against a set of criteria before they can enter and will be provided a mask to wear if they do not have one.
MBH Director of Intensive Care Dr Alison Walker said it was important for patients and visitors to comply with the new arrangements and respect staff.
“We understand that these restrictions may cause anxiety for many people, especially when you want to see a loved one,” Dr Walker said.
“I would just ask members of our community to remember the restrictions are in place to protect our most vulnerable community members,” Dr Walker said.
Dr Walker said the best defences against COVID-19 remained unchanged.
“It’s straight forward and it’s everything we have been doing --- practice good hand hygiene; stay at least 1.5 metres away from others; understand the risks and symptoms; and get tested, even if your symptoms are mild,” she said.
“Getting tested when you are unwell is vitally important. Get tested and go straight home, don’t stop or detour anywhere on the way. When you get home, stay at home until you have your results.”
She also encouraged local residents to consider the advice of the Chief Health Officer when it comes to wearing face masks.
“People in regional areas have been asked to wear face masks when it is difficult to stay 1.5 metres away from others as face masks can be helpful in reducing the spread of COVID-19,” Dr Walker said.

Pictured: Janet Hicks