Northern Beaches: New hospital visitor restrictions to try and reduce spread of coronavirus

Hospitals on the northern beaches have announced strict new visitor rules in a bid to try and reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

Pictures taken at the COVID-19 clinic at Mona Vale Hospital on March 17 2020. Picture: Julian Andrews.

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Northern Beaches Hospital and Mona Vale Hospital are introducing strict visitor restrictions in response to the coronavirus crisis.

The Frenchs Forest site is asking patients to nominate two visitors so they can “keep record of people in hospital for infection control”.

While Mona Vale Hospital is limiting visitors to just one per patient.

Mona Vale Hospital General Manager Jennifer Parkin said the requirement has been introduced in the interests of safety and wellbeing of patients, their families and staff.

Coronavirus warning signs outside Northern Beaches Hospital.

She said they hoped the northern beaches community would understand and assist with the measures in an effort to reduce the possibility of transmission of COVID-19.

“We know how important visitors are for the wellbeing of our patients, however, to ensure the safety of our patients and staff, we need to limit the number of visitors coming to our hospitals and services,” she said.

“We understand this will be difficult for some families and patients, but this decision is based on clinical advice from our infectious disease experts to reduce the possible spread of the virus.”

Patient in mask been seen by triage nurse at Northern Beaches Hospital's new COVID-19 clinic. Picture: Tim Pascoe.

Each patient will need to nominate one person, such as their next of kin, who will be able to visit them during their stay, with other family and friends encouraged to use technology to check in with their loved ones.

“Facetiae, Skype, instant messaging – all of these are great ways to keep in touch with your loved one while they are in hospital,” Ms Parkin said.

“Our hospital has Wi-Fi available and we encourage people to take advantage of this to keep in touch without physically coming to the ward.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison discussed social distancing and visitors to health facilities at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra today. Picture Gary Ramage

There will be exceptions for patients with children, children who are patients or those who are very unwell and receiving palliative care.

Mona Vale Hospital has also temporarily suspended the attendance of volunteers and consumer representatives on site.