Published on 3 June 2022

For the last couple of years, these Operations Bulletins have largely and necessarily had a COVID focus. While COVID certainly hasn’t gone away, our health service has returned to a degree of normality with some restrictions eased and resumption of suspended services. With this in mind, future Operations Bulletins will have a broader focus, addressing a combination of topics relating to the operations of our health service.

Hours of operation time changes for COVID Testing Clinics

Melton, Showgrounds and Sunbury testing clinics (for community) have new hours of operation from 8.30am to 4.15pm (last entry subject to capacity). The Sunshine Staff COVID Testing Clinic will continue to operate 8.45am–4.45pm

Visitor mask wearing

In response to concerns regarding non-mask compliance and COVID transmission among visitors and outpatients, a number of measures have been put in place including:

  • Information for visitors and patients posted on Western Health’s website outlining mask wearing requirements while on site
  • Signage at entry points to the health service and wards and on TV screens throughout the organisation reminding visitors and outpatients to wear their masks, minimise food and drink consumption and to avoid spending time in public areas
  • Revisions to the Visitation QRG to include an escalation process in cases where staff require support engaging with people who repeatedly ignore requests for them to wear their mask.

Shortage of intravascular contrast medium

Due to a worldwide shortage of intravascular contrast medium, Western Health is addressing ways to maintain delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic studies such as computerised tomography and angiography/intervention without compromising patient outcomes.

We’re asking staff to limit requests for studies with contrast usage to essential cases, by employing ‘choosing wisely’ principles. CAT 2 medical imaging procedures (requiring contrast) are on hold. Impacted patients have been advised and their primary referring unit will need to review referrals for notification and possible alternative avenues of imaging and/or treatment.

For further information or discussion regarding clinical referral and prioritisation for procedures requiring intravascular contrast, please contact the Duty Registrar for imaging at Sunshine Hospital ext. 50024 (24 hours) or Footscray Hospital ext. 57223 (8.30am to 10pm).

Regards

John
Executive Director Operations (Acting)