COVID-19 Update: Government temporarily suspends non-urgent surgery

We acknowledge the ongoing seriousness of the COVID-19 crisis and the implications for health services over the coming months.

The Prime Minister announced the suspension of non-urgent elective surgeries at all Australian public and private hospitals due to the evolving coronavirus situation. Only urgent Category 1 & 2 surgery continues at this time

In consultation with the Chairs of the Medical Advisory Committees (MAC) and in the interest of staff, doctor and patient safety, under Government instruction, our day hospital is following this directive to help preserve resources including protective equipment and reduce the risk of COVID-19.

The definition of urgent Category 1 and 2 are:
• Category 1 – Needing treatment within 30 days. Has the potential to deteriorate quickly to the point where the patient’s situation may become an emergency
• Category 2 – Needing treatment within 90 days. Their condition causes pain, dysfunction or disability. Unlikely to deteriorate quickly and unlikely to become an emergency
In the interest of public health safety, elective surgery at East Melbourne Specialist Day Hospital has been suspended other than Category 1 and urgent Category 2 cases pending the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Each patient should, however, discuss their own situation with their specialist.

What are we doing to protect your safety when you visit our Day Hospital?

During our pre-admission calls or texts, we are asking anyone who falls into the following categories, not to come into the day hospital and seek further medical advice. If in doubt, please talk to our staff. We are here to help.
o Active flu like symptoms;
o Recent direct contact with proven COVID-19 case; and
o Any patient who has returned from overseas travel at any time after 15 March must self-isolate for 14 days.

In our Day Hospitals we’re ensuring our teams maintain high hygiene standards, following all infection control protocols including:

• temperature checks upon arrival to our facilities for you and your escort 
• hand sanitisation before and after contact with our patients;
• following cough etiquette by maintaining the 1.5 metre rule of distance, except when carrying out an essential medical procedure; and
• washing down all surfaces between patients with disinfectants.

Our staff will be avoiding direct physical contact with patients such as hand shakes. For safety reasons, we have withdrawn the magazines from our waiting rooms. If any patient or visitor presents as unwell at our reception, with fever, or with flu-like symptoms, they will not be allowed to enter.

We request that patients entering our facilities be accompanied by or picked up by only one adult to minimise risk to other patients and staff. Your escort will be asked to wait outside the facility.

If you are unwell please don’t come in to the day hospital, but call us and we will guide you how to manage your care.
We are here to support you during your care. Please continue to visit our website for the most up to date advice before you attend the day hospital.

What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus. Symptoms range from a mild cough to pneumonia. Some people recover easily, others may get very sick very quickly. There is evidence that it spreads from person to person. Good hygiene can prevent infection.

Symptoms of coronavirus

It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of coronavirus to appear.
The symptoms of coronavirus are:
• a fever (temperature above normal);
• a cough;
• shortness of breath; or
• breathing difficulties.

If you have these symptoms; or have travelled overseas in the last 2 weeks and/or been in contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 2 weeks or is suspected of having COVID -19 you may be at risk.

Here are some steps to protect yourself from COVID-19

Clean your hands regularly
• after coughing or sneezing
• after toilet use
• before eating
• before and after preparing food
• if you are in contact with a sick person, especially those with respiratory symptoms
• if your hands are dirty

Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and dispose of the tissue appropriately and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Importantly – stay at home if you’re feeling unwell and call your doctor.

Avoid
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
• Avoid shaking hands, hugging or kissing upon greeting colleagues, friends or family.

Anyone who has returned from overseas travel in the last 14 days is being asked to self isolate. (Australian Government directive at 3pm 15.3.20)

Anyone who knows they have been in close contact with a confirmed case in the last 14 days and has symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, fever) should:
• isolate themselves from other people - this means going into a different, well-ventilated room, with a phone; and
• call their GP, or emergency health department.

Close contact means either:
• face-to-face contact; or
• spending more than 15 minutes within 1.5 metre of an infected person; or
• living in the same house as an infected person.

Read a step-by-step guide on cough etiquette and how to properly wash your hands and avoid infection.

When you may need to be tested for coronavirus

If your doctor thinks that you need a test for coronavirus, they will tell you where the test will be done. They will also tell you when to expect your results.

How coronavirus is spread

Coronavirus is spread in sneeze or cough droplets. You could get the virus if you:
• come into close contact with someone who has the virus and is coughing or sneezing; or
• touch surfaces that someone who has the virus has coughed or sneezed on
• emerging evidence of faecal-oral transmission of the virus suggests everyone should close toilet seats before flushing