Wonthaggi Hospital and the broader Bass Coast Health (BCH) team have taken every measure possible to prepare for this next COVID wave. 

“The community can rest assured that we have done all that we can to be ready once again,” Bass Coast Health CEO Jan Child said. 

More low-pressure rooms have been created in the Acute Ward at Wonthaggi Hospital where patients with COVID and other respiratory illnesses are treated. 

Inside these rooms, the air pressure is lower than the air pressure outside the room, so when the door is opened, potentially dangerous particles from inside the room will not flow outside into non-contaminated areas. 

Healthcare staff entering these rooms wear full personal protective equipment – a gown, gloves, N95 mask and face shield – to minimise their chances of contracting respiratory illnesses and from passing these on to other staff and patients. 

PPE supply is well secured. 

Visitation at all Bass Coast Health sites has been restricted. On the Acute/Sub-acute inpatient ward, one person per patient per day is permitted between the hours of 10am-12pm or 5pm-7pm. In the maternity ward, one person per patient per day is permitted between the hours of 10am-12pm or 6pm-8pm. 

All visitors must be fully vaccinated against COVID and flu, must have a negative RAT and they must wear a mask. 

“Our staff are well trained and versed in techniques to minimise the spread of COVID and other infections by wearing masks, sanitising their hands often and wearing personal protective equipment when required,” Ms Child. 

“Our staff are continuing to do their very best, despite the significant workforce shortfalls we are experiencing. We are continuing to make sure we resource those areas that provide critical services to our community including our acute, sub-acute and emergency care, maternity and cancer services, and our Allied Health and counselling services. 

“We ask the community to be kind to our staff, even if there is a delay, and please reduce the pressure on our health service by minimising your risk of getting COVID or flu. 

Get vaccinated! 

Please wear a mask indoors, avoid crowds, sanitise your hands often, gather outdoors, and stay home if you are unwell and get tested if you have symptoms.”