Louise Oriti, Executive Director, Redcliffe Hospital
As part of our business as usual approach to COVID-19, there have been some more changes this week that everyone needs to be aware of. These changes are explained fully in a memo from Metro North’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Liz Rushbrook.
I know many staff will welcome the news around masks in particular – but it remains essential that we continue to maintain good hand hygiene and infection control practices across the hospital.
Masks
The big change is that it’s no longer mandatory for all staff to wear a surgical mask at all times. Metro North Health continues to strongly encourage staff to wear a flat surgical mask and supports those staff who choose to do so. Masks will continue to be available at hospital entrances and in all wards and work areas.
Those caring for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients anywhere in the hospital will continue to wear P2/N95 masks while delivering that care. Hospital staff will also continue to wear masks as necessary and appropriate, following the Standard Precautions Procedure.
Fit testing
There’s been no change to the requirement for all staff to be fit tested for two P2/N95 masks. This requirement is part of everyone’s mandatory training. If you need to arrange a fit test recertification, click here.
Hospital staff who are household contacts
Hospital staff who become household contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case should closely monitor themselves for symptoms for the next ten days and test themselves with a RAT if they become symptomatic.
If a household contact is free of symptoms, they should come to work as usual. These staff will need to wear a flat surgical mask at the hospital for five days (starting from when the COVID-positive person in their household tested positive).
Metro North Health also recommends that staff who are household contacts test themselves with a RAT every two days for five days.
Even if testing negative, symptomatic household contacts should not come to work.
Hospital staff who are COVID positive
Redcliffe Hospital staff, students, contractors or hospital volunteers who test positive for COVID-19 must not enter the hospital for seven days after their positive test result. This rule applies to everyone who works at Redcliffe Hospital and the entire hospital campus (including West Block and the Executive Building).
COVID positive visitors
Signage is being installed at hospital entrances asking COVID-positive visitors not to enter the hospital.
Exemptions for COVID-positive visitors will continue to be available, with the process managed by the Hospital Coordinator.
I encourage everyone to read more about these changes in Dr Rushbrook’s memo, which is available here. If you have any questions about these changes, or how they impact your work or area, please talk to your NUM or line manager.
Louise Oriti
Executive Director
Redcliffe Hospital