Visiting hours

Restrictions due to COVID-19

The World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a pandemic, meaning the virus is established on all continents (with the exception of Antarctica). We are asking for your understanding that you consider not visiting the hospital unless you are an immediate family member or carer of the patient. The ongoing requirement for physical (social) distancing means that we will continue to limit the number of visitors to our facilities.

Each patient will be allowed one visitor at a time. Please note that the Government’s requirement for a minimum of 4 square metres per person in an indoor space and 1.5 metres social distancing means that the time limit for visitors is limited to three hours, and may have to be staggered.

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our hospital communities Healthe Care has mandated the following Visitor Restrictions.

• Until 14 days have lapsed from returning or arriving from overseas (flight / cruise), interstate travel AND / OR
• Have been in close contact with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 in the previous 14 days AND / OR
• Diagnosed with COVID-19 (unless no longer directed to be self-isolated) AND / OR
• Have a fever (even in mild) or respiratory illness like symptoms (a cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, tiredness and breathing difficulties) AND / OR
• A recent loss of the sense of smell? OR an altered sense of taste? you must follow the advice of the public health authorities AND

DO NOT ENTER THE HOSPITAL OR VISIT OUR PATIENTS FOR 14 DAYS

If you are unwell and require urgent medical attention you should contact your GP or call 000 for an ambulance (this will work even without phone credit).

Visiting Restrictions

MATERNITY VISITATION IS CURRENTLY RESTRICTED TO PARTNER / PRIMARY SUPPORT PERSON ONLY.

• In the interest of protecting newborns and their mothers, maternity visitation (Huon ward) remains restricted to partner or primary support person
• Visiting hours are restricted to three hours per day between the hours 2pm to 5pm for Bass and Rivendell wards, with a maximum of one visitor at a time per patient
• All visitors (including essential contractors or representatives) will be screened at entry to the hospital before access is granted to the hospital. This includes recording your temperature. If your temperature is 37.5°C you are not permitted to enter the hospital
• Volunteers and other non-essential visitors will not be visiting our facility until further notice

Upon entry to the hospital and during your visit practice simple hygiene by:

• Making sure to clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow AND
• Practice physical (social) distancing by attempting to keep a distance of 1.5 metres (5 feet) between you and other people where possible. If you are required to move closer than 1.5 metres, ensure that the time does not exceed 15 minutes
• Avoid shaking hands, hugging, touching or kissing other people or sharing food
• Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms
• If you are asked to wear a surgical face mask, after putting it on to cover your nose and mouth, do not touch the front of the mask and remove it using the ear loops or head straps
• Dispose of the used mask into a waste bin and perform hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol hand rub

We are also encouraging visitors to download the Australian Government’s COVIDSafe app, which is designed to provide early notification of possible exposure

If you are concerned please contact healthdirect 1800 022 222 or Tasmanian Public Health Unit 1800 671 738 for further information.

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Onsite Café

Our onsite café is located next to the to the main hospital reception and is open for the convenience of visitors during the following times:

• Monday to Friday: 7:00am - 5:00pm

There is also a café located in the medical centre adjacent to the Private Hospital. Hudson's café is open:

• Monday to Friday: 7:00am - 5:00pm
• Saturday: 8:00am - 1:00pm

Snacks and refreshments can also be purchased from dispensing machines throughout the hospital.