Coronavirus COVID19 Hospital Visitor Restrictions

Coronavirus COVID19 Hospital Visitor Restrictions

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 post 4th wave, 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

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