Expect to be checked. Nurses will check your temperature before entering Forbes Hospital.
Temperature Screening: The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is implementing screening and temperature testing for all people coming into health services as part of the state-wide response to COVID-19. Health services will primarily be using thermal thermometers. This means that no contact is required to test the temperature of everyone entering a health facility. The testing will apply to all visitors, staff, and contractors.
These measures are being implemented in all NSW health facilities. The screening questions to all people coming to local health facilities will be:
1. Have you returned from overseas travel (or a cruise ship) in the last 14 days?
2. Have you had any close contact with a COVID-19 positive case?
3. Do you have any flu-like symptoms?
The WNSWLHD has previously introduced restrictions on visitors in all its facilities, with one visitor per patient in larger facilities, and no visitors in MPS facilities, where aged care residents may be particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. These are challenging measures for everyone to adapt to, but at the heart of WNSWLHD response measures is the need to do everything pos- sible to protect the most vulnerable people in the community. For more information on COVID-19 follow the WNSWLHD on Facebook, contact the Public Health Helpline on 1300 066 055 or contact healthdirect online or on 1800 022 222.
Blood Is Still Essential: The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is calling on people to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. We need donors now more than ever. The government has made blood donation one of the 16 reasons you can leave your home.
WNSWLHD, Haemovigilance Clinical Nurse Consultant, Karen Beattie said, “There are 800 blood donation cancellations per day, nationally, and blood products shortages are potentially going to be a reality.”
“The need for blood never stops. Blood is needed every day by Australian patients including road trauma patients, surgical patients, medical and orthopaedic patients, pregnant women and cancer patients,” Karen said.
The WSNWLHD is calling on eligible Australians to become blood donors and for existing donors to make and honour their appointments to prevent a potential shortage of blood supplies. You can make an appointment online or call 13 14 95. Remember the mobile van also visits Forbes from 4th – 6th May and is open from 9.30am-2.30pm.
The mobile blood donor van will be visiting Forbes early in May.