By Jessica Micallef
Patients and residents at Central Highlands Rural Health facilities are no longer allowed visitors in order to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Hospitals, including Kyneton District Health, Daylesford Hospital, Creswick Acute Hospital and aged care facilities in Trentham, Daylesford and Creswick were put in lockdown last month in response to coronavirus.
Only rostered staff will be permitted to enter a Central Highlands Rural Health facility and upon entry will be screened for symptoms and any risk of having COVID-19.
Visitors or family members will only be permitted to enter a facility under “exceptional” circumstances or where the patient or resident is receiving end of life care.
Central Highlands Rural Health chief executive Maree Cuddihy said the decision to lock down their facilities was to protect everyone in their care.
“It’s been a tough couple of weeks,” she said.
“We know this is hard, particularly in a time when our patients probably need a friendly face and hug. We also know how important it is for our patients to continue to connect with their family and friends.
“We are working hard to set up video calls. This will keep families up to speed with the health and wellbeing of our patients but at a safe distance.
“Everyone … is doing an amazing job pulling together and adapting.”
She said hospital and aged care staff will continue to communicate with family members about the health and wellbeing of patients and residents Patients and residents are free to move anywhere within the perimeter of the facility they are in, including the garden, if well enough to do so.
Medical specialists are still able to visit patients, but will follow Central Highlands Rural Health’s screening procedure.
For aged care residents, essential medical appointments at external services may continue, however the resident must self-isolate for 14 days upon their return.
Ms Cuddihy said all facilities have the technology to facilitate video calls for patients and residents.
