In these unusual times, the safety of mums, babies, participants in care, visitors and our staff remains our absolute priority.
So we’ve implemented some COVID-19 changes in line with Government guidelines.
Like most places, our guidelines are changing as COVID-19 is managed so we will keep you up to date as you plan your admission/birth.
Maternity appointments
Once you have chosen your Obstetrician you will meet with them regularly throughout your pregnancy. They will have consulting rooms on site or locally and you will arrange your appointments with their rooms.
Your schedule of appointments will most likely change depending on your individual circumstances.
To limit people in the waiting areas we ask that you ensure you are on time for your face-to-face appointments.
Labour and birth
Your health and safety is everything to us. To help protect you and your baby, other families and our staff, expectant mothers can have one fully vaccinated participant in care. An additional participant in care maybe allowed to attend with a birthing woman on compassionate grounds and this will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Before entering our hospital, they will be asked the usual screening questions, and must have no symptoms of illness or suspected infection and return a negative COVID-19 test upon arriving at the hospital.
Visiting restrictions
Maternity Visiting Hours 3pm to 7pm
Birthing women
Two (2) nominated participants-in-care, for the duration of labour and birth.
Antenatal and postnatal women
Four (4) visitors per day (including support person). These additional persons may differ day to day.
Children under 12 years' old
Siblings are permitted to visit within the patient room following confirmation with the midwife.
Visitor Guidelines
• A limit of four visitors (total) can be in a shared patient room at any given time (social distancing)
• Have not tested positive to COVID-19 in the last 14 days
• Have not tested positive to another respiratory illness in last 7 days
• Have no symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory illness
• Follow infection control advice from staff
• Not be a close contact or a confirmed Covid-19 case or awaiting results
• Have not returned from overseas travel in the past 7 days
• Visitors must take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of their loved ones, other patients, staff and themselves
• Exceptions to the above will be given for end of life care and other special circumstances
Many thanks for your understanding.
Feeding your baby
We continue to encourage skin-to-skin contact at birth and breastfeeding. Pay careful attention to hand hygiene, and try not to cough or sneeze near baby. If you are suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 we will quarantine you and your baby safely and in line with health guidelines.
Is there anything else you’d like to know?
We know these restrictions can be challenging, so we ask for your understanding. If you have any questions regarding your pregnancy, your stay or any other maternity matter, we’re here for you. Please call 02 4941 8400.