Christine Burridge, Acting Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer

Over the previous two weeks, we have seen an uptick in COVID 19 cases. This has been reflected in the associated emergency department presentations and hospitalisations for COVID-19 and is consistent with the rest of the state and the nation more broadly. While there may be data or testing factors contributing to this, a similar trend has been observed in catchments across Metro North and SEQ.

Metro North will move to Tier 1 in our Acute Respiratory Plan tomorrow, Tuesday 14 November.

All staff are encouraged to:

• wear masks in clinical areas, in line with the PPE guidelines
• ensure flu and COVID vaccinations and annual fit testing are up to date
• maintain compliance with mandatory training programs
• stay home if you’re unwell and let us know if you’re off sick as soon as possible via the Smart Leave form on MyHR
• check with your line manager for any other requirements in your local workplace under your directorate Acute Respiratory Illness Response Subplan.

Visitors will be continued to be encouraged to wear a mask, sanitise hands when coming and going, and stay away if they have respiratory illness symptoms. Masks and hand sanitiser will be provided at facility entrances.

Regards,

Christine.