We are back at 100% surgical capacity, with appropriate screening and safety protocols in place. This is under the direction of the Federal Government.

For the safety of all people in our Hospital, we will continue with our modified bookings and admissions process.

Firstly, it is imperative that you contact us before coming to Hospital if you have travelled overseas or to an identified hotspot anywhere in Australia 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.

On your day of surgery, we ask that you arrive wearing your own surgical or cloth face mask. Please report to Level 5 for your health screening. If you come to Hospital in a cloth mask, you will need to replace it with a surgical mask – we will provide one upon your arrival to Prince of Wales Private Hospital. You will then be directed to Bookings and Admissions.

If you are staying at Hospital, you must wear a surgical (not cloth) mask if you leave your room. You may bring your own from home but we also have them available on the ward.

We recommend that you review the NSW Health advice on face masks, including the best mask types and how to safely take them on and off.

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.

• Who will be wearing face masks at Hospital?
  In addition to patients and visitors, all healthcare workers must now, by law, wear a surgical mask if coming within 1.5 metres of a patient and where physical distance with a patient cannot be maintained. This is mandatory for all staff, including doctors, nurses, food service attendants, cleaning staff, allied services staff, corporate staff, wardspersons and more.
  

• 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. The authorised visitor may stay for up to 1 hour a day between 4.00pm and 7.00pm. Visitors need to undergo a 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 under 16 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, visitors are not permitted in the Special Care Nursery, Maternity Ward and Delivery Suite (the Unit).

During your upcoming Hospital stay, your partner can accompany you in the Unit.

Only mothers may enter the Special Care Nursery at this time.

On your day of delivery, we ask that you phone ahead, where possible, and arrive wearing your own surgical or cloth face mask. Please report to Level 6 for your health screening. If you come to Hospital in a cloth mask, you will need to replace it with a surgical mask – we will provide one upon your arrival to Prince of Wales Private Hospital.

During your stay, you and your partner must wear a surgical (not cloth) mask when outside your room. You may bring your own from home, but we also have them available on the ward.

We recommend that you review the NSW Health advice on face masks, including the best mask types and how to safely take them on and off.

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

Who will be wearing face masks at Hospital?
In addition to patients and visitors, all healthcare workers must now, by law, wear a surgical mask if coming within 1.5 metres of a patient and where physical distance with a patient cannot be maintained. This is mandatory for all staff, including doctors, nurses, food service attendants, cleaning staff, allied services staff, corporate staff, wardspersons and more.

Can I have visitors during my stay?
Unfortunately, visitors are not permitted in the Maternity Unit at this time. This decision has been made to reduce the amount of people overall entering our hospital to keep our patients, staff and doctors as safe as possible.

Can my other child/ren visit me at the hospital?
Siblings cannot visit, we’re sorry to report. Due to the increasing COVID-19 transmissions in VIC and Sydney, we have decided to reduce the traffic to the ward in the best interests of mums, babies and staff.

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 previous restrictions. Partners may now leave to go to the Hospital cafes/retail outlets, or for essential purposes. They will be screened each time they return to the Unit.

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 assist with 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 wards to:

• General - 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 4.00pm and 7.00pm.
• Maternity Unit – Visitors are not permitted at this time.

We ask that you arrive wearing a surgical or cloth face mask. If you come to Hospital in a cloth mask, you will need to replace it with a surgical mask – we will provide one upon your arrival to Prince of Wales Private Hospital. We recommend that you review the NSW Health advice on wearing face masks, including the best mask types and how to safely take them on and off.

Before entering the ward, you will also undergo a brief health screening to ensure you are free of symptoms.

While you are at our Hospital, please remember 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)