Prince of Wales Private Hospital resumes 75% of elective surgeries
2 June 2020
Prince of Wales Private Hospital resumed up to 75% of ordinary surgical activity from 25 May 2020 in response to the issue of revised guidelines by the NSW Government. This is part of a planned staged return to normal surgery activities.
Whilst COVID-19 infection rates have significantly reduced in the community and social distancing restrictions have been further relaxed by government, we still need to be vigilant about possible new infections. Therefore, our priority remains the safety of all people who enter our doors.
Following a detailed assessment of the risks, we are confident in increasing hospital activity in line with the government guidelines.
Prince of Wales Private Hospital will continue to review our infection-control measures in relation to the COVID-19. These include:
- high-rotation environmental cleaning
- health screening for patients, staff, doctors and visitors upon arrival to hospital
- pre-screening of patients before admission
- adherence to social distancing and hand washing practices
- visitor restrictions
- government-guided use and management of PPE and medicine supplies
- staff and doctor education
- management of ICU/surge capacity to respond in the event of an outbreak in the community.
NSW Health no longer specifies which surgeries or procedures can be performed, but priority will be given to patients with clinical urgency or who are overdue.
The elective surgery capacity is expected to be reviewed again by the NSW Government on 30 June 2020.