It is complying with the guidelines set out by the Victorian Government and will ensure all visitors are complying with strict health and safety rules.
NCN Health chief executive Jacque Phillips said the government recommendations were that health services allowed a maximum of two visitors into aged care facilities and the visits are limited to a maximum of two hours a day for care and support.
She said the overarching principle in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic must be the health, welfare and safety of their residents, staff and the broader community.
“As part of our response to COVID-19 NCN Health closed its doors to general visitors from April 1,” she said.
“This was a difficult decision that considered the health of the residents, the health and safety of staff, the use of PPE for screening visitors and the mix of risk including close confines, mixed wards and shared rooms.
“As of last week, we lifted our visitor restrictions to the hospital and residential aged care in accordance with Commonwealth and State directions and legislation.
“Residents and inpatients of NCN Health are now permitted to have a maximum of two visitors per day at one time, for a maximum of two hours.”
Ms Phillips said visitors must sanitise their hands, remain in the resident’s or patient’s room and practice social distancing of 1.5 m at all times.
All visitors will be screened on entry and anyone wishing to visit residential aged care must now also provide proof of their 2020 flu vaccination.
“As of May 1, it is now mandatory for all persons entering aged care facilities, including staff, visitors and volunteers, to provide evidence of their flu vaccination,” Ms Phillips said.
“This evidence can be a statement or record from a health practitioner, statutory declaration or an immunisation history statement from Medicare online or the Express Plus Medicare mobile app.”
Ms Phillips said while visitors were welcome back to NCN Health, the community needed to be mindful of the number of persons permitted and the shorter visiting hours.
“Family members visiting their loved ones need to take precedence and the visiting times vary at Nathalia, Cobram and Numurkah. If you are planning to visit we ask that you call ahead.”
Ms Phillips said that NCN Health has also put in place alternative arrangements to support families, friends and others to maintain regular contact with residents, such as organisingSkype and Zoom calls, Facebook messages and reading out and sending messages and emails on behalf of residents.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the new visiting hours at NCN Health, or the regulations around mandatory flu vaccines for entry into residential aged care, contact 5862 0555.
