We are continuing to focus on providing a safe health service for patients, their families and carers, and our staff, while we provide kind and compassionate care.
NNSWLHD hospital and visitor updates
From 11 December, patients and visitors to hospitals in NNSWLHD are asked to wear a surgical mask while in the hospital.
We also encourage you to use the hand sanitiser provided on arrival and in clinical areas.
Visitors to an MPS Residential Aged Care unit are also required to wear a mask.
If you plan to visit a health facility and you have cold or flu symptoms, please delay your visit until your symptoms have gone.
Staff working in high risk areas, and those caring for patients with cold or flu symptoms, will wear masks and other personal protective equipment.
Hospitals have returned to normal visiting arrangements. Please check with your local facility for any change in visiting hours.
Maternity, Women’s Care Units, and Birth Suites
Who can come with me when I have my baby?
We ask all pregnant women to name one person to actively participate in her care (PIC). This includes during labour, birth and the time after birth, with your baby, while you remain in the birthing room.
The nominated person:
- can be present for labour and birth only (they need to go home after the baby is born and can return during visiting hours).
- must agree to follow health staff instructions including physical distancing, hand washing and limiting their movements outside of the birthing unit/space.
What if my PIC has COVID? Download our Guide for Participants in Care to find out more. General Visiting and screening for maternity units are in line with general hospital visiting restrictions.
Our midwives are available 24 hours a day for ongoing support. Please don’t hesitate to contact your midwife or doctor for more information.
For more information about Maternity Services click here.
Multi-Purpose Services
For Multi-Purpose Services like Kyogle, Bonalbo, Nimbin and Urbenville, as a precautionary measure ALL visitors:
- prior to entering an MPS facility, visitors will be asked respiratory Illness screening questions and must not have tested positive for COVID in the past 7 days
- if someone in their household has tested COVID positive within the past seven days, it would be preferable for them not to visit for seven days. If however the visit is on compassionate grounds, they may enter and must wear a mask at all times
- visitors will not require a RAT test
- visitors must wear a mask in communal areas of Residential Aged Care (RAC) units however in resident’s rooms and outdoor areas, masks are no longer required.
Residents
- may leave and re-enter our RAC units freely. They do not require routine RATs.