Important information about Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The safety of our patients, staff, nurses, doctors and visitors to our facilities is paramount to us.

Overview

We are closely monitoring, and proactively responding to the developments in Victoria associated with coronavirus (COVID-19), in conjunction with both the Australian and Victorian Government authorities and local public health units.

We understand the rapidly evolving and unprecedented and widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Victoria have resulted in high levels of concern and requires additional infection control precautions.

Conditions of entry to all Direct Endoscopy Facilities:

• Every person must wear a mask covering your nose and mouth and do not contaminate your hands by touching the mask
• Every person entering the facility will use the hand hygiene provided near the front entrance
• All maintenance contractors will change into scrubs or complete clothing covering and wash their hand thoroughly with soap and water.
• Volunteers and other non-essential visitors, including children, will not be attending Direct Endoscopy facilities until further notice.

Although all possible precautions are taken, at this time, there is an increased risk of contracting COVID 19 for patients undergoing any elective surgery, including endoscopy procedures. Please discuss your procedure with your referring doctor, or if you have any concerns or would like to ask any questions about your upcoming procedure, please contact Direct Endoscopy.

Information for patients

We have strict infection control and prevention protocols in place to protect patients, health care workers and visitors to minimise the risk of any infection, including COVID-19.

Please do not attend Direct Endoscopy if you or your carer are unwell or have been in contact with a COVID positive person and if you or people you live with have been asked to isolate. If you have symptoms of a sore or irritated throat, running nose, aches and pains, tiredness, coughing, sneezing or you have lost your ability to taste or smell, no matter how mild, arrange to have a COVID test immediately and self-isolate until your COVID test results have been received. Contact Direct Endoscopy and do not attend your appointment. Please refer to the Australian Government’s Department of Health website and the Department of Health and Human Services, Victoria website https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus for more information.

Your pre admission emailed to us will be assessed by a clinician 5 days prior to your appointment time. You may be contacted to clarify any medical issues and discuss your bowel preparation. You will be asked screening questions again on arrival at the facility. It is a legal obligation to answer the questions truthfully.

You must wear a mask when entering the facility. You will be asked to wear a surgical mask throughout your stay.

Information for carers.
We ask carers not to enter the facility until contacted to inform you the patient is ready for discharge. Along with the patient you will be given the discharge information and care of the patient will be officially handed over to you.

Please follow our stated infection prevention and control instructions when entering the building.

Carers, please arrange for alternative carer and nominated driver if you are:

• Unwell with any cold or flu like symptoms, even a runny nose.
• Have been identified as close personal contact with a confirmed case.
• Have been in close contact with a suspected case.