Thank you all for continuing to work so diligently and compassionately as we continue with the ongoing changes and challenges of COVID-19.

Planned care at STARS

While Metro North remains on Tier 4 of our COVID-19 Response Plan, STARS is continuing to offer elective surgery, rehabilitation and planned care during this time.

PPE

We remain on high risk PPE, which means that N95/P2 masks and eye protection are required in all clinical areas. Staff working in non-clinical areas are required to wear a flat surgical mask at all times.

Protecting yourself at work

To protect yourself at work and reduce possible transmission events, we recommend that staff stagger lunch breaks to avoid large groups of staff being together at the one time. Staff should eat outside where possible and physical distance from colleagues while eating. We’re lucky to have many garden areas around the building, so consider exploring a new space each day. Please also remember that your mask must remain on at all times when not eating or drinking.

Visitors

Only vaccinated visitors are allowed to visit STARS, unless they have a valid exemption. The latest Hospital Entry Direction (No. 9), effective 20 January 2022,  has also introduced further visitor restrictions.

What this means for STARS:

• Two visitors only per patient are permitted on the wards.
• Limiting visitors  in the RAT clinic and procedural centre.
• At times we may be required to restrict visitors to certain wards, for example if there is an outbreak within the hospital. This will be communicated with staff if and when required.

Kind regards,

Kellie Stockton