Covid-19 Info

Melomed has been providing affordable quality healthcare to the communities we serve, and we have always regarded the safety of our patients, staff and doctors as our highest priority.

As the pandemic has evolved, the number of COVID-19 related patients requiring hospitalisation is low. The relaxation of the visitation policy will come into immediate effect, however the following existing practices will remain in place:

1. Visitors are expected to be asymptomatic when visiting the hospital.

2. Refrain from visiting patients when you have flu like symptoms.

3. The hospital currently manages both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients and the wards remain demarcated accordingly.

4. Visitors must be aware of demarcated areas and refrain from entering these areas.

5. COVID-19 protocols, include wearing of the face mask, hand hygiene and social distancing remains in place.

Relaxation of visitation requirements:

6. Specialist Consultations: This is subject to the discretion and approval of the treating Specialist. Please contact the treating specialist before the scheduled appointment date.

7. Maternity admissions: The birthing partner will be advised by the treating specialist of whether a COVID-19 test is required.
In addition, the partner may attend the delivery and stay with the mother until she is transferred to her room or ward.
Visitation in the Maternity Unit is restricted to two (2), visitors per patient at any given time during specified visiting hours for a maximum of thirty (30), minutes per visiting session.

8. NICU: The mother of the baby/babies has unlimited access to the NICU.
Prior arrangement with the NICU Unit Manager, visitation can be arranged for the parent/partner for a period of thirty (30), minutes.
To manage infection prevention control, movement in this area must be limited and only one parent/partner will be allowed to visit their baby/babies at a time.

9. Paediatrics: The primary care giver or guardian must be identified, and arrangements must be made to alternate caregiving responsibilities with the child.
Visitation of one additional person during visiting hours, shall be allowed unless contra indicated by the treating specialist.

10. Non-Covid-19 patients - General Wards and ICU:
A maximum of two (2), visitors shall be allowed at the patient’s bedside during visiting times.

11. COVID-19 positive patients and patients under investigation – visitation remains restricted.

12. Visiting times:
Afternoon: 15h00 - 16h00
Evening: 19h15 - 20h15

Melomed Richards Bay Visiting Hours: Monday- Sunday 10:00-11:00 and 15:00-16:00

13. Terminally ill patients
Visitation shall be accommodated as per arrangement of the treating specialist and Unit Manager.

14. General

• No children under the age of 12 years old will be allowed to visit
• Visitors are requested to keep noise levels during visiting times, to a minimum, to enhance a healing environment.
• Visitors are requested to comply with all COVID protocols during visiting times.

Melomed prides itself on adherence to National protocols and provincial guidelines. This is subject to change as developments arise.

Please feel free to contact the relevant Hospital Manager or Client Service Officer at your Melomed Hospital should you require any further information.

The Melomed Team

Melomed takes this opportunity to salute and thank all our Healthcare Workerswho are currently on the front line providing the best healthcare service to our patients. The Covid-19 pandemic is a dynamic, ever evolving one which has changed the way the entire industry operates.

We at Melomed have adapted and improved all aspects of our hospital environment to ensure the utmost care is taken in securing your safety and well-being. We are therefore fully operational to continue offering affordable, quality healthcare.

• Melomed has followed international best practices and gone over and above the required precautionary measures to ensure that our hospitals are safe for all persons.
• Melomed Hospitals and Emergency Centres are equipped to deal with both Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 related cases in separated and dedicated areas.
• All Melomed Hospitals are "Mask only" hospitals.
• All staff have been trained in infection control precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and other infections.
• Intensive cleaning rounds have been implemented and all areas are cleaned thoroughly in-between patients
• Our Hospital Visiting Hours policy has been strictly amended in line with international best practices to limit the risk of transmission.
• All persons within a hospital are required to strenuously, and on a regular basis, wash their hands thoroughly. Stations have been erected for this purpose in the facilities.
• Strict social distancing protocols have been introduced and enforced within all Melomed facilities.
• The appropriate personal protective equipment ("PPE") has been provided to all levels of staff in line with the strict protocols of the World Health Organisation, Department of Health and the National Institute of Communicable Diseases.
• Melomed24 Ambulance Services is fully equipped to transport any COVID-19 patient, and have been allocated strict PPE and appropriate guidelines.

For any health-related matters, please contact your GP or Specialist Doctor.

For Reliable information regarding the COVID19 Coronavirus, please visit the following websites:

World Health Organisation

Visit Website

SA Coronavirus Website

Visit Website

Discovery Website

Visit Website

Melomed is following best international practices and more to keep you safe.

Please click here for more informmation

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, we had to adjust our visiting rights to patients

Please click here for more informmation.

Prevention is better than cure and every South African needs to understand best practices to prevent themselves from getting infected.

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It has been proven worldwide that social distaning is key.

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