Families whose loved ones have been hospitalized to a hospital in Victoria allege that they are prohibited from visiting their ailing relatives owing to an increase of Covid cases.
Box Hill Hospital in Melbourne’s east received a barrage of complaints over the weekend after implementing new limits in response to the soaring number of Covid infections in Victoria.
“Yesterday, my elderly relative was admitted to Box Hill hospital. I can’t believe they’ve instituted a no-visitor policy because of Covid,’ a Victorian told former Seven News host Jacqui Felgate, who shared the remarks online.
So unfortunate her family cannot visit her. I thought we were informed there would be no more limitations in Victoria.’
Another Victorian responded to the journalist alleging that they were informed that guests were not permitted inside the facility.
Once again, here we are? Why is Victoria so far behind the rest of Australia and the rest of the world?’ they asked.
Felgate was besieged with communications from healthcare workers around the state who reported that, in response to an increase in Covid instances, limits had been modified at numerous institutions to protect patients and staff.
As a result of outbreaks in the wards, according to one nurse, visitation were restricted at the hospital where they worked.
They added, “Closing the unit to visits reduces patient exposure and permits the outbreak to be contained so that visitors can return sooner.”
Eastern Health, which manages Box Hill Hospital, stated that guests were permitted to see their loved ones with certain restrictions.
Visitors will be inspected upon arrival, and those exhibiting Covid symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, or fever will be denied entry.
In addition to close contacts of confirmed cases, visitors who tested positive for the virus and were released from self-isolation on days five or six will also be prohibited from entering.
In addition, patients with suspected or confirmed Covid will not be permitted visitors.
Visitors at Box Hill are also required to wear face masks, and anyone wishing to enter certain wards, such as the mental health and oncology departments, are required to present evidence of a negative quick test.
On Friday, Victoria registered 20,398 new Covid cases, including 46 deaths.
Two weeks ago, the state registered 10,226 infections, and hospitalizations increased by 28.5% from the previous week.