COVID-19 Update
11th March 2020
Hunter New England Health has released a further statement about its screening procedures for coronavirus (COVID-19) at John Hunter Hospital. The statement (included here) and the link below answer any questions you may have:
STATEMENT FROM HUNTER HEALTH
A clinic screening people with risk factors for COVID-19 is now operating at John Hunter Hospital.
The clinic is part of Hunter New England Local Health District’s ongoing response to diagnose and slow any spread of COVID-19 in the community.
The clinic is currently operating Monday through Friday but this may be extended based on demand.
People who have returned from China, Iran, Italy or South Korea, or have had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 but are well, should self-isolate at home for 14 days and seek treatment only if they develop symptoms. For further advice, please visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/…/Pages/coronavirus-faqs.aspx…
Anyone with symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) who has travelled overseas or has had contact with a known case of COVID-19, should continue to visit their GP or call Healthdirect for advice in the first instance.
For those attending the John Hunter Hospital emergency department for assistance, signage at the main entrance will direct people to a nearby screening desk. Here they will be asked a series of questions by nursing staff, identifying their risk of COVID-19.
People who present with no symptoms but are worried because of travel history may be reassured that testing is not required and advised they can return home.
People who have risk factors and symptoms but are generally well and do not require hospital care, will be directed to the clinic.
People who are acutely unwell with suspected COVID-19 will be assessed in a private room in the emergency department. People who require all other emergency care will be directed to the emergency department as usual.
Outside of the clinic operating times, people should continue to contact their GP or HealthDirect for advice. Attend the emergency department if you are acutely unwell.
As part of our COVID-19 preparedness planning, we are regularly auditing PPE equipment to ensure the necessary materials are stocked in each facility. We have also providing updated advice to our staff about appropriate use and application of PPE.