COVID-19 Update

A message from Gippsland Southern Health Service CEO Mark Johnson.

GSHS is doing everything possible to provide a safe place for our staff and patients and to limit the potential spread of the coronavirus COVID-19.

We have introduced strict protocols which are designed to protect everybody in our hospitals and in the community. These measures include:

• No more than two visitors allowed at a time at the Leongatha and Korumburra hospitals and only between 2pm and 6 pm

• No visitors under 16

• All hospital visitors will be temperature-checked and asked to complete hand-hygiene

• No visitors allowed at the aged care facilities to protect our most vulnerable people

• All non-essential home visits have ceased

• All Planned Activity Groups and community groups ceased

• Client transport is only available for essential medical appointments, with clients to sit in the back seat

• Community home care visits are continuing

• All staff (and anyone else in the community) must self-isolate for 14 days after returning from overseas

• All elective surgery has ended to preserve hospital capacity

• Temperature checks of staff.

All essential services are continuing at GSHS. The Gippsland region has six confirmed cases of COVID-19, including one in the South Gippsland Shire. While this is no cause for panic, it is a reminder that the virus is spreading locally and we must adhere to the new government guidelines to limit interaction with others. The virus only spreads through human contact. Everyone has responsibility for slowing its spread.