Shake-up for private hospitals with NSW-Victoria border closure

Ramsay Health Care, which manages Albury Wodonga Private Hospital, Border Cancer Hospital and Murray Valley Private Hospital, has overseen adjustments in the past week to ensure they can continue to provide care safely.

Chief executive Sheryl Keir revealed staggered admission times and providing letters to show at the border crossing are among the new measures.

A small number of practitioners travel to the hospitals from Melbourne and will continue to do so.

"Our patients are predominantly from the Border region, and we haven't had any issues with them getting to hospital for admission or appointments," she said.

"Doctors and staff who live outside the 50-kilometre radius now have healthcare work permits, so there are no issues with them getting to work at the hospital, and delays have been minor.

"All our practitioners and staff are screened for coronavirus when they arrive at work, regardless of where they live.

"Any patient being admitted to hospital who is from a Victorian 'hot spot' is tested for COVID-19 prior."

IN OTHER NEWS:

All patients are asked screening questions before admission to hospital, and again on admission, along with having their temperature checked.

There will also be a reduction in the number of visitors, with patients encouraged to keep in touch with loved ones via digital devices.

Albury-Wodonga Health will continue to provide critical health services to the region and remain safe for visitors to receive care.

Chief executive Michael Kalimnios said strict COVID screening protocols apply at hospitals for patients, staff and visitors.

"Strict exemptions to leave metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire are available for particular circumstances, including those providing critical health care services," he said.

"Albury Wodonga Health is available to provide care for any patient who requires it."

AWH engages health care professionals to provide critical health care services from Melbourne, with visiting and rotating staff going through a rigorous screening process as outlined by the DHHS.

Category three elective surgery was yesterday put on hold at Melbourne hospitals due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but regional sites are unaffected.

Border Medical Association chairman Scott Giltrap is not accepting patients to his clinic Reproductive Medicine Albury, as it's not life-threatening.