Message FROM the acting Chief executive Dr Tamsin Waterhouse
message FROM the Chief executive Deb Willcox
As we respond to the evolving situation of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), our hospitals and healthcare services are rapidly changing. In order to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our patients, staff and the community, we have needed to make significant changes not only to the physical spaces within the hospitals, but also the way we interact with the community. Already we have seen the number of visitors attending our hospitals reduce since we implemented the one nominated visitor per patient policy. I would like to thank the community for responding so positively to this and working with us as we try and slow the spread of COVID-19. The entrances to our hospitals have also changed. Visitors will now need to go through a checkpoint, staffed by our COVID-19 Care Team, who will ask a series of questions relating to the visit and also general health to make sure we only see those people who absolutely need to come to our hospitals. Some entrances have also been closed so I would ask the community to follow the signs and seek guidance from staff who can assist with wayfinding. Our cafes are still operating, but no dine- in services are available as we follow the Federal Government’s restrictions on social distancing. We are doing everything we possibly can to have our hospitals operationally ready to respond to any increased demand on our services. We have already doubled the capacity of our Intensive Care Units (ICU) and we have
now ceased non-urgent surgery which will enable our anaesthetists to move over to ICU and assist in critical care. We are reconfiguring clinical wards and spaces to free up patient beds in anticipation of an increase in patients over coming months. A clinical advisory group continues to meet daily monitoring COVID-19 cases and preparing our hospitals to ensure we have enough capacity. It is a difficult time for everyone, from healthcare workers, patients and the community, as we are asked to make significant changes to our daily lives during this uncertain time. We have seen some incredible acts of kindness from the community, businesses and individuals who have donated food, chocolate and other goods to our staff who are working tirelessly. I would like to thank everyone who has shown support to our staff who are lifted by the messages of gratitude we see on our Facebook pages and emails that our hospitals receive every day. Often during times of uncertainty, many people can feel helpless and unsure of how they can contribute. The community can help us by following the advice of the Federal Government and medical experts. Staying at home and protecting your loved ones is the most important thing you can be doing right now.
Deb Willcox Chief Executive Northern Sydney Local Health District
2 NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 6| 7 APRIL2020
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