Patients & Visitors

COVID-19 continues to be very present in our community, and in our hospitals right across the state.

Our region is fortunate to have high vaccination rates; however, even though vaccination is very effective at reducing the risk of serious illness and hospitalisation, a fully vaccinated person can still catch COVID and unknowingly spread it to others. This may include people who cannot be vaccinated, young children and babies who are not vaccinated, and people who have a serious illness or weak immune system. In these situations, the consequences of contracting the virus can be devastating.

As a busy public hospital (and health service), we need to limit the number of people in our buildings, regardless of their vaccination status. This helps us maintain physical distancing and density limits, and it protects our patients and staff.

We understand that everyone needs someone to support them during challenging and difficult times, and we know coming to hospital can be scary and confronting for many people. This is why we allow visitors subject to conditions.

We understand our visitor restrictions are disappointing for many people – particularly as life begins to return to normal in the community. However, we hope you can understand that Victorian health services are operating under COVID-19 Peak status and we are in a three-way battle caring for COVID-19 positive patients, caring for and protecting patients without COVID-19, and ensuring our health system can continue to provide excellent care.

We look forward to the day when we can get back to normal and have minimal visitor restrictions.

Until then, thank you for your kindness, understanding, and support.