Hospital Visitors: Changes and Restrictions
Visitor restrictions are in place to protect patients, staff and visitors at our hospitals and health facilities.
- Visitors are now restricted at all hospitals and health facilities in Northern NSW.
- Exemptions will be considered on a case by case basis for compassionate or extenuating circumstances, for example in the case of palliative care.
- Women accessing birthing services can continue to nominate one support person (participant in care) during her labour, birth and post-birth.
- For outpatient appointments and community services, telehealth appointments are being utilised where possible.
All patients and visitors are required to wear a mask when entering a health facility.
As a precautionary measure ALL visitors will be screened on entry and will be required to check in using the QR code and provide evidence of their COVID-19 vaccination.
You will also be asked:
- Do you have any COVID-19 symptoms?
- Have you been identified as a close contact of a COVID-19 case in the past 14 days?
- Have you returned from overseas in the past 14 days?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, you will not be permitted to enter the facility.
Maternity, Women’s Care Units, and Birth Suites
Visiting restrictions are in place for all maternity and women’s care units.
- Women can nominate one support person (participant in care) during her labour, birth and post-birth
- Visiting arrangements for maternity units are in line with general hospital visiting restrictions.
- We are continuing with our usual practice of supporting women to return home as soon as possible after birth to be with their family and loved ones.
For exceptional circumstances we encourage families to discuss their individual needs with staff. We know these restrictions can be challenging, and we appreciate your understanding during this time. For more information about Maternity Services click here.
Pregnancy Care appointments
We have reduced the number of face-to-face pregnancy care visits (antenatal clinics) and ask that pregnant women attending appointments at the hospital, come on their own whenever possible.
We will continue to contact women individually to plan their pregnancy care. Care will include telehealth consultations over the phone or video as well as face to face visits.
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.
If you have any concerns during your pregnancy, including concerns for your baby’s movements, bleeding or any other urgent concerns, please call us immediately for advice.
For our Maternity Service contact numbers, click here.
Multi Purpose Services
For Multi Purpose Services like Kyogle, Bonalbo, Nimbin and Urbenville, as a precautionary measure ALL visitors will be screened on entry, will be required to check in using the QR code and to provide evidence of COVID-19 vaccination.
You will also be asked:
- Do you have any COVID-19 symptoms?
- Have you been identified as a close contact of a COVID-19 case in the past 14 days?
- Have you returned from overseas in the past 14 days?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, you will not be permitted to enter the facility.