
Visitor information
Last updated 21 February, 2022
As the safety of our patients and staff remains our highest priority, we continue to maintain strict safety protocols on site, including physical distancing, hand hygiene and wearing of masks.
In light of the current COVID outbreak, we are no longer able to permit visitors into our hospital until further notice. Limited exceptions apply i.e. on compassionate grounds.
In line with NSW Health guidelines: we have expanded the compassionate grounds criteria for hospital visitors. On the basis of compassionate care, people will be allowed to visit a patient if:
- the patient is at end-of-life
- the patient is ill with a life-threatening condition or diagnosis
- it is beneficial for the patient's emotional or physical wellbeing, including for women who are giving birth
- the patient has a mental illness, and you are their designated Carer/Principal Care Provider as determined under the MH Act
- the patient is living with dementia or a cognitive impairment and you are their person responsible or person to contact
- you are required to provide an informal language service
- you are a carer of a patient with a disability
- you are accompanying someone to the emergency department or outpatient clinic
- you are supporting the patient's care upon leaving hospital
- the patient is under 16 and you are the patient's parent or guardian.
Please note that people wishing to visit the hospital on compassionate grounds will need to contact the hospital for approval prior to coming on site.
Patients may have two visitors at any one time.
All permitted visitors must:
- have had two doses of a recognised vaccine (unless they have a medical exemption)
- have not tested positive to COVID-19 within the past 7 days
- are not a high-risk contact of someone who has COVID-19 in the previous 14 days
- do not have COVID-19 symptoms
- have not returned from overseas in the past 7 days
- have had at least one dose of vaccine if under 12 years of age
- wear a surgical mask correctly on entry and for the duration of the visit
All other existing visitor screening protocols remain in place.
We thank you for your cooperation and patience at this time. Please call the hospital ahead of your visit if you have any further questions.
Your support and care will greatly help your loved one recovery during their hospital stay.
People with mental illness need the same understanding and support given to people with a physical illness.
It is rarely possible for someone with a mental illness to make the symptoms go away just by strength of will.
A mental illness is not an illness for which anyone should be blamed or for them to feel guilty for having.
Your loved one may have a lot on their mind when you visit them, and may have a lot to say about the work they are doing in the hospital, it is most helpful if you listen to them and support them in their recovery.
Sometimes your loved one would prefer to communicate with you about everyday things, as a distraction from the therapy and healing they are doing every day while in the hospital.
You can help by being sensitive to their needs and respectful if they do or don’t wish to talk about their recovery.
At times, having to deal with pressures at home or in business, as well as focussing on their recovery can be overwhelming,you can help by avoiding putting any expectations about what they should be doing while they are in the hospital.
Factsheets
Australian Drug Foundation’s Drug Info Clearinghouse
http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au
Australian Government: Department of Health and Ageing
National Health and Medical Research Council
Mental Health fact sheets can be accessed at:
The Black Dog Institute
http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
Australian Government: Department of Health and Ageing
Mental Health Association NSW
http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au
SANE Australia
Social Anxiety Support (SAS)
http://www.socialanxietysupport.com
Links
Alcoholics Anonymous
ARAFMI NSW
Carers Australia
http://www.carersaustralia.com.au
Centrelink Australia
Commonwealth Carelink
www.commcarelink.health.gov.au
Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service of NSW (GLCS)
JewishCare
Jewish House
Medicare Australia
http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au
Narcotics Anonymous
Australian Health Insurance Information
http://www.privatehealth.gov.au
SMART Recovery