Effective Monday, 27 April 2020, we will perform Category 1, Category 2 and some Category 3 elective surgeries at our Hospital, with appropriate screening and safety protocols in place. This is under the direction of the Federal Government and forms part of its COVID-19 response.

For the benefit of all people in our Hospital, we have introduced additional steps into our patient admissions process.

Firstly, it is imperative that you contact us before coming to Hospital if you have travelled overseas in the last 14 days, if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, or if you have been in contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

All surgical patients will be contacted by clinical staff the day before surgery to ensure they are screened ahead of time. Hospital staff will then review the patient’s circumstances in more detail and determine the most appropriate course of action.

When you arrive at Hospital, please report to Level 5 for your temperature check and screening. You will then be directed to Bookings and Admissions. If you have any concerns or questions, we are here to help. Call (02) 9650 4000 during business hours, or (02) 9650 4415 after hours.

FAQs

• What does 'screened' actually mean? Are you testing for COVID-19?
  We do not test for COVID-19 at the Hospital. Screening involves a questionnaire that has been specifically designed for the purpose of identify anyone that may have symptoms of COVID-19, has travelled overseas recently, or has come into close contact with a known or suspected case of COVID-19. Every patient and visitor to the Hospital will have their temperature checked prior to entering any ward.
  
  
• Has Prince of Wales Private Hospital had any cases of COVID-19?
  To date, we have not had a patient with COVID-19. Our robust screening protocols are designed to reduce the majority of risk and our dedicated staff are constantly monitoring the wards.
  
  
• What happens if there is a case of COVID-19 at Hospital during my stay?
  If a patient exhibits COVID-11 symptoms during their stay, and becomes a suspect case, we are very well-prepared to manage them and have planned for this eventuality.
  
  
• What precautions are Hospital staff taking to reduce their COVID-19 risk?
  The health of Hospital staff is absolutely critical to managing the spread of COVID-19. Prior to starting their shift, staff must complete a health screening questionnaire and have their temperature checked. Staff have also completed additional re/training courses (eg PPE, Hand Hygiene). Where possible, non-clinical staff are now working remotely, and staff meetings are conducted by teleconference.
  
  
• Are nurses now restricted in the way they interact with patients?
  Our nurses, doctors and other staff are following social distancing recommendations, but we continue to provide all necessary care and support required. We expect patients and visitors to practice the same social distancing protocols and be vigilant with hand hygiene.
  
  
• Can I still have visitors?
  Yes. Patients on the surgical wards can nominate 1 person to visit them while they are in the hospital. This authorised visitor may stay for no longer than 1 hour a day between 3.00pm and 8.00pm. Visitors should go to Level 5 for their temperature test before they can come into your room.
  
  
• Why can’t I have more than 1 visitor a day?
  Hospital patients, together with health care workers, are extremely vulnerable to COVID-19. We made the hard decision to tightly limit visitors to keep everyone at Hospital as safe as possible.
  
  
• Is/are my child/ren allowed to visit if they come with an adult?
  Sorry, no. Children may not visit patients in the wards for infection-control purposes.
  
  
• Are my visitors allowed to bring me food and other items (eg clothes, books, toiletries)?
  Yes, they are.
  
  
• Will I be discharged early? Can I leave early if I want to?
  As long as it is appropriate for you to go home, we will support the decision you and your admitting doctor make together.

To protect birthing mothers and new babies at this time, we have decided to temporarily reduce patient visitors to the Special Care Nursery, Maternity Ward and Delivery Suite (the Unit).

During your upcoming Hospital stay, your partner or support person will be the only person permitted to be with you in the Unit. We therefore ask that other family and friends do not visit.

Coming to Hospital

• Please call ahead, wherever possible – we will need to screen you and your partner/support person over the phone before you come to Hospital.
• If coming by car, park on B4 in the parking garage where you can access the lifts to the Private Hospital. (A 5-day discounted car parking pass is available for during yourstay.)
• Godirectly to Level 6 of the Hospital to undergo your temperature screening.

Thank you for your understanding - we will work our very hardest to ensure your experience is as safe and comfortable as possible. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to contact our Nurse Unit Managers on (02) 9650 4444 or your obstetrician, who has been advised of these changes.

FAQs

• Should I still come in for my pre-admission/Meet the Midwife appointment?
  No. All face-to-face appointments, including the pre-admission clinic and Meet the Midwife, are no longer running. These sessions are now conducted over the phone.
• Do I need to call ahead before coming to the Maternity Unit?
  Yes, please ring us in advance if you decide to come in for any reason. Whether you’re in labour, have left something behind during your stay, or just want to say hello – we can anticipate your arrival and make sure you’re healthy enough to enter the Unit.

• Can I have my partner AND my doula with me during childbirth?
  Unfortunately, no. At this stage, only 1 additional person can be with you when you deliver your baby. That person must not be unwell or have returned from overseas in the 2 weeks before birth. This is to provide the greatest protection for all mums and babies on the Ward.
  
  
• My partner needs to go home/to work while I’m in Hospital. If they have to leave the ward, will you let them back in?
  Yes we will. We’ve eased our previousrestrictions. Partners may now leave to go to the Hospital cafes/retailoutlets, or for essential purposes. They will be screened each time they returnto the Unit.
  
  
• Can my other child/ren visit me at Hospital?
  Sorry, no. Children may not visit patients in the wards for infection-control purposes.
  
  
• Can we bring food and drinks to Hospital with us?
  Yes, you can bring items with you. Your room will have a small bar fridge and we have a shared kitchen, with a microwave, for heating food. There is also a range of snacks available in the kitchen after hours.

• Can we have food or other supplies (eg clothes/toiletries) delivered or brought in for us?
  We ask that other visitors, including food delivery services (eg UberEats), do not come to the Hospital at this time.

• Is the Maternity Ward locked?
  The entire Unit – Maternity Ward, Delivery Suite, Special Care Nursery - is locked, with admission granted via an intercom.
  
  
• Is the boarder fee for partners being reviewed?
  No. Breakfast is included in the daily fee ($55.00) and lunch and dinner can be ordered at a cost of $10.00 per meal. We are confident you and your partner will be very happy with the standard of our new Hospital menu.

• Will I be discharged early? Can I leave early if I want to?
  You are welcome to remain for your entire Hospital stay, but this is best discussed with your Obstetrician. As long as you and your baby are well, we will support the decision made by you and your doctor.
  
  
• Is my partner allowed to install the car seat in the car park on the day of discharge then come back and get me?
  Yes, they can do this on the day of discharge.
  
  
• Is the Well Baby Nursery (aka night nursery) still open?
  After careful consideration, we have closed the Well Baby Nursery in the Maternity Ward. This is in the best interest of patient safety. Your baby will ‘room-in’ with you overnight.
  
  
• Can I still visit my baby in the Special Care Nursery?
  Yes. If your baby needs to spend time in the SCN, you can still visit your baby. However, we ask you and your partner visit one at a time (ie you may not visit together).
  
  
• Will a lactation consultant still available?
  Yes, the lactation consultant is still available to assistwith breastfeeding support during your stay on the Ward.
  
  
• Are you still running post-natal education classes on the ward during my stay?
  Our breastfeeding Education and Support classes continue multiple times a day, Monday-Friday. We book you in at the time to ensure there are no more than 4 mums and bubs in any 1 session.
  
  
• Are you still running antenatal workshops and Maternity Unit tours?
  Our face-to-face antenatal workshops and ward tours have been cancelled for now. However, we are looking to fast-track an online learning solution as a replacement. Please check back at a later date.
  
  
• What does ‘screened’ actually mean? Are you testing for COVID-19?
  We do not test for COVID-19 at the Hospital. Screening involves a questionnaire that has been specifically designed for the purpose of identify anyone that may have symptoms of COVID-19, has travelled overseas recently, or has come into close contact with a known or suspected case of COVID-19. Every patient and visitor to the Hospital will have their temperature checked prior to entering any ward, including the Maternity Unit and Special Care Nursery.
  
  
• Has Prince of Wales Private Hospital had any cases of COVID-19?
  To date, we have not had a patient with COVID-19. Our robust screening protocols are designed to reduce the majority of risk and our dedicated staff are constantly monitoring the wards.
  
  
• What happens if there is a case of COVID-19 at Hospital during my stay?
  If a patient exhibits COVID-11 symptoms during their stay, and becomes a suspect case, we are very well-prepared to manage them and have planned for this eventuality.
  
  
• What precautions are Hospital staff taking to reduce their COVID-19 risk?
  The health of Hospital staff is absolutely critical to managing the spread of COVID-19. Prior to starting their shift, staff must complete a health screening questionnaire and have their temperature checked. Staff have also completed additional re/training courses (eg PPE, Hand Hygiene). Where possible, non-clinical staff are now working remotely, and staff meetings are conducted by teleconference.
  
  
• Are midwives now restricted in the way they interact with patients and partners/support persons while in the unit?
  Our midwives, doctors and other staff are following social distancing recommendations, but we continue to provide all necessary care and support required. We expect patients and partners/support persons to practice the same social distancing protocols and be vigilant with hand hygiene

Prince of Wales Private Hospital has restricted visitors on the surgical wards to:

1 authorised visitor per patient for the duration of your loved-one's stay in hospital. You may visit for 1 hour per day between 3.00pm and 8.00pm.

Visitors are restricted entirely in the Maternity Unit.

If you come to visit a patient at our Hospital, you must go to Level 5 or 6 first to have your temperature taken. This ensures that all visitors are well before they enter the patient wards.

When you come to Hospital, we need you to practice social distancing and hand hygiene for the protection of our vulnerable patients and hard-working staff - and for your own health, too.

The good news is that these simple measures can effectively reduce the spread of COVID-19.

• Wash your hands regularly, including when you enter your loved-one’s hospital room, and when you leave.
  
• Observe social distancing guidelines, which requires you to stay 1.5 metres away from others.

Fact sheets

• Tips for coping with Coronavirus anxiety
• Maintaining your mental health during social isolation
  
• Coronavirus: Resources for Anxiety, Stress and Wellbeing
  
• Reassuring your children about the unknown
  
  

Apps

• Smiling mind – top-rated, free meditation app.
• Calm – Meditation, sleep stories, master classes and music to help you focus, relax and sleep.
  
• Headspace – Get happy. Stress less. Sleep soundly. Headspace is your guide to everyday mindfulness in just a few minutes a day.

Podcasts

• In Good Health – Dr Sandro Demaio takes a look at the science and research behind the buzzwords to help you understand how to eat for better mental, physical and social health.
• Unlocking Us – Researcher, Brene Brown, discusses how we are hardwired for connection, and that connecting requires courage, vulnerability and conversation.
• Mindfully – Join Lisa Millar and Sydney Swans legend and mindfulness champion, Brett Kirk, as they bring you the tools you need to find a calmer and happier you.

Go to the authorities on health and government for factual information and resources regarding COVID-19.

• Australian Government Department of Health
• NSW Health
• Randwick City Council
• World Health Organization (WHO)