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The Tasmanian Health Service (THS) North West region has escalated to Level 2 of its COVID-19 Management Plan this morning.
Impacted facilities include the North West Regional Hospital (NWRH), Mersey Community Hospital (MCH), North West district hospitals and community health centres.
This follows a recommendation from the Regional Health Management Team and is based on the level of COVID-positive inpatients, COVID-related staff absences, and general demand for services.
Hospital escalation is a well-established process that has repeatedly proven to be effective in managing periods of heightened demand during previous waves of the pandemic.
As part of this escalation, staff will now be required to wear N95 masks and approved protective eyewear in all clinical areas.
All visitors will continue to be required to complete the health screening process before entering a THS facility. People with symptoms of COVID-19 should not visit high-risk settings such as hospitals, unless to receive care, to help keep patients and staff safe.
Visiting restrictions at the NWRH and MCH will continue to allow no more than two visitors per patient per day and one visitor at a time for no more than one hour. Visiting hours are 2.30pm to 7pm at the NWRH, 2pm to 7pm at the MCH, and determined locally at district hospitals.
During this time, we ask the communities of North West Tasmania for their patience and understanding should they experience longer waiting times for non-urgent presentations.
Hospital staff are working hard to address the demand for health services, and the public can have confidence that the needs of emergency presentations will be met.
People who test positive for COVID-19 can get support from the COVID@homeplus service, including access to antiviral medications. People can register for the service by calling 1800 973 363 or visiting the Health Department website.
Those who require medical assistance that is not urgent or life-threatening are encouraged to visit a pharmacy for minor ailments and illnesses, explore booking an appointment with a local GP, or call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free, trusted health information.
Healthdirect is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and may be able to offer a call back from a GP. Some GPs and pharmacies are also available after-hours.
People in need of emergency medical assistance, should call triple zero (000) or go the nearest ED immediately.
For more information about COVID-19 care visit www.health.tas.gov.au/covid19 and for non-emergency care options visit: www.health.tas.gov.au/rightcare