TEMPORARY visitor restrictions have been introduced at Bathurst Hospital in what is described as a precautionary measure to protect patients and staff.
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Western NSW Local Health District says that, effective immediately, only one visitor per patient per day will be allowed at the hospital.
The health district says the restriction will aim to "protect patients, healthcare workers and the community from the impact of COVID-19 and influenza-like illnesses".
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The health district says all visitors will be screened on entry and "must follow the advice and guidance of healthcare staff at all times".
It says visitors, under the temporary restrictions, will be admitted if they:
- Wear a surgical mask correctly at all times while in the facility.
- Have not tested positive to COVID-19 within the last 10 days.
- Have not tested positive to another acute respiratory infection in the last seven days.
- Do not have symptoms of COVID-19 respiratory infection.
- Are not high risk contacts of someone who has had COVID-19 in the previous 14 days.
- Have not arrived from overseas in the past seven days.
It says restrictions "will remain in place as long as it is required to ensure the well-being and safety of staff, patients and the community".
IN OTHER NEWS AROUND BATHURST:
The health district said it was encouraging everyone to continue playing their role in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and influenza-like illnesses, and minimising their impact on health services and staff by:
- Staying up to date with vaccinations, including flu vaccines and COVID-19 boosters.
- Avoiding unnecessary trips to emergency departments (ED). See your GP or pharmacist, or call HealthDirect on 1800 022 222, rather than coming to hospital unless you are in an emergency.
- Staying at home if you are unwell or have any symptoms at all, and avoiding contact with other people, particularly the elderly or vulnerable.
- Getting tested if you are symptomatic. Many PCR testing facilities test for influenza and RSV.
- Maintaining measures that reduce the spread of viral illnesses, like good hand hygiene and physical distancing.
- Wearing a mask wherever you are required to, where you can't socially distance or where it makes you feel more comfortable.
For those who do need to go to the hospital, the health district asked that they treat the healthcare team with kindness and respect and be aware there may be a wait in emergency departments, as people are seen based on how sick they are and not when they arrive.
For more information on visitor restrictions at NSW hospitals and public health facilities, visit the NSW Health website.
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