Given the rapidly evolving situation relating to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Australia and globally, our organisation is taking additional precautionary measures to ensure the safety of our patients, staff and Doctors.

The safety of our patients and staff remains our highest priority. Please be assured that we are monitoring developments closely and are well prepared to manage a range of scenarios and outcomes. In addition, the COVID-19 Response Team will continue to meet regularly to consider any emerging information and the potential impacts on our hospitals.

Please visit the relevant hospital website page for location specific information relating to your admission.

Patients
All patients will receive a pre-operative phone call prior to their admission to determine their suitability for elective surgery.

If any patients are identified during the call to have returned from overseas or an identified COVID-19 hotspot within the previous 14 days, their surgery will be rescheduled until 14 days after their return, if they are not showing symptoms. They will be advised to self-isolate, monitor their health and seek medical attention should they develop symptoms.

If any patients, or their immediate family or household members, are identified during the call to have returned from overseas or an identified COVID-19 hotspot, their surgery will be rescheduled until 14 days after their return, if they are not showing symptoms. They will be advised to self-isolate, monitor their health and seek medical attention should they develop symptoms.

If any patient that has been in casual or close contact with a suspected or confirmed case within the previous 14 days, their surgery will be rescheduled until 14 days after the contact, if they are not showing symptoms. They will be advised to monitor their health and seek medical attention should they develop symptoms.

Any patient experiencing any of the following symptoms, will have their surgery postponed until the symptoms have subsided. They will be advised to monitor their health and seek medical attention should the symptoms not subside.

Most common symptoms:

• fever (37.4 °C or above)
• dry cough
• tiredness/ fatigue

Less common symptoms:

• aches and pains
• sore throat
• diarrhea
• conjunctivitis
• headache
• loss of taste or smell
• a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes

Serious symptoms:

• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• chest pain or pressure
• loss of speech or movement

Patient escorts and carers
Patient escorts and carers are discouraged from remaining at the facility after the patient’s admission. The escort/carer will be notified when the patient is ready for discharge. Where possible, only one escort/carer should attend the facility with the patient. Any patient escort or carer experiencing the above mentioned symptoms should not enter a Cura hospital. Please adhere to all physical distancing and personal hygiene requirements during your time at the hospital.

Further information
As this is a rapidly changing situation, please visit the Commonwealth of Australia Department of Health website or phone the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 for the latest updates, including advice on symptoms and precautions.