Important COVID-19 information for patients:

  • Pre-operative and Pre-Admission COVID-19 Information

    COVID-19 Screening

    All patients accessing an Epworth HealthCare site will be screened for COVID-19 risk prior to, or on admission. COVID-19 screening involves questions about potential exposure to COVID-19, whether you have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive to COVID-19 and confirm that you do not have any cold of flu-like symptoms. Each time you attend Epworth, you will be asked these questions.

    Do I need to test for COVID-19 before coming to hospital?

    If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, you are no longer required to undertake a COVID-19 test (PCR or RAT) before your admission to Epworth HealthCare. In some cases, if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have had contact with someone who has COVID-19, you may be asked to undertake COVID-19 testing however, you will be advised before your admission.

    What happens if I receive a positive COVID-19 test result?

    Please do not come to our hospital. Notify your treating Doctor as soon as possible. For information relating to the current COVID-19 guidelines, please refer to the Department of Health’s Checklist for COVID-19 cases.

    Do I have to wear a mask during my admission?

    In certain circumstances, you may be asked to wear a mask. Please seek assistance from our staff if you are unsure of the requirements. Please follow all instructions and treat our staff with respect. Thank you for helping keep our patients, staff, doctors, and visitors safe.

  • Maternity patients

    Epworth Freemasons Maternity

    Will COVID affect my birth?

  • Rehab outpatients

    We are pleased to welcome you to the Epworth Rehabilitation outpatient service and thank you for trusting us to care for you. These FAQs should answer most of the questions you may have in relation to attending your outpatient program in a COVID-safe way. Please don’t hesitate to ask any of the team if you have any other questions that are not answered below. 

    Will I be asked questions about my contacts, potential exposure to COVID-19 and whether I am vaccinated before I attend the program?

    Yes, this is called ‘screening’. One of our team will ask you questions about potential exposure to COVID-19, whether you have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive to COVID-19 and confirm that you do not have any cold or flu-like symptoms. Each time you attend the program you will be asked these same questions.

    What happens if I receive a positive COVID-19 test result?

    Please do not come to our hospital. For information from the Department of Health after testing positive please refer to the Checklist for COVID cases. It is important that you call the relevant outpatient department at the hospital you are attending and let us know of your positive test result. Your treating team will also provide advice on when you can resume your program on site.

    What happens if I am in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or if I have symptoms of COVID-19?

    Please call the outpatient department at the hospital you are visiting and let us know as soon as possible. Our team will provide advice on next steps including any testing requirements and if you can continue to attend. For information from the Department of Health regarding COVID contacts please refer to the Checklist for COVID contacts.

    Do I have to wear a mask during the program?

    No.

Important COVID-19 information for all visitors:

  • Requirements for all visitors

    Our priority is to protect our patients, staff and doctors.

    Please do not visit any Epworth hospital if you are feeling unwell, have cold and flu symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19.

    We also ask you refrain from visiting, if there is a positive case in your household or a household member has COVID-19 symptoms and is awaiting a test result.

    Masks

    Masks are no longer required in clinical, non-clinical or public areas at Epworth HealthCare. In certain circumstances, you may be asked to wear a mask. Please seek assistance from our staff if you are unsure of the requirements. Please follow all instructions and treat our staff with respect. Thank you for helping keep our patients, staff, doctors, and visitors safe. 

    Current visitor restrictions

    For visiting hours at each of our locations, please visit relevant location page.

    In areas providing care for our most vulnerable patients, there are limits to the number of visitors at one time.

    Day oncology, dialysis  One visitor permitted (please note children under the age of 16 are not permitted in the Day Oncology unit)
    Intensive Care Units (ICU) Two visitors

    Patients receiving end of life care are exempt from the above guidelines and may have visitors, in discussion with treating teams. Visitor exemptions can also be authorised by the treating team to support the essential emotional and physical wellbeing of patients.

    We know these restrictions are challenging but we request all visitors treat our staff with kindness and follow all instructions provided, as we work to keep your loved ones and our community safe.