Current state of elective surgery (COVID-19)

We understand the rapidly evolving and unprecedented and widespread effects of COVID-19 may result in high levels of concern, however we want to reassure you that we are well-prepared.

We have strict infection control and prevention protocols in place in conjunction with our hospitals and service providers to protect patients, health care workers and hospital visitors to minimise the risk of any infection, including COVID-19.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are documented on the Australian Government’s Department of Health website. If you are unwell and require urgent medical attention you should contact your GP or call 000 for an ambulance (this will work even without phone credit).

On the advice of the federal and state governments:

• Life and limb threatening emergencies, Category 1 and urgent Category 2 cases will proceed after COVID-19 screening and testing.
• all non-urgent Category 2 and Category 3 elective surgeries are indefinitely halted at Melbourne public and private hospitals based on the assessment of the present coronavirus situation and  the response to date.
• the situation will be reviewed and guidelines modified as the pandemic evolves.
   

•  urgent surgery and medical services. 
• emergency and trauma surgery
• telehealth consultations
• face-to-face consultations if deemed necessary 

 If you have travelled overseas in the past 14 days, please contact the hospital or your doctor before your scheduled appointment or surgery.

 If you are unwell with any cold or flu like symptoms, and are scheduled for a procedure, please contact your doctor before attending the hospital. 

•  Wash your hands often with soap and water before and after eating as well as after attending the toilet
• Avoid contact with others (including touching, kissing, hugging, and other intimate contact)
• cough and sneeze into your elbow
• If you are asked to wear a surgical face mask, after putting it on to cover your nose and mouth, do not touch the front of the mask and remove it using the ear loops or head straps.
• Dispose of the used mask into a waste bin and perform hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol hand rub.

  It is important to practise social distancing to stop or slow the spread of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. The more space between you and others, the harder it is for the virus to spread.

Important tips include:

• You should aim to remain 1.5 metres apart at all times. If you are required to move closer than 1.5 metres, ensure that the time does not exceed 15 minutes
• Do not shake hands or make other physical contact
• Do not share food or drink
• Wear a mask at all times when in public
• Adequate hand washing / sanitiser usage before and after any contact