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A ten-bed COVID ward will be established at the Border Cancer Hospital to help deal with the current outbreak.
Albury Wodonga Health has formally requested Ramsay Health Care establish a COVID ward in the east wing of the Border Cancer Hospital.
Albury Wodonga Health chief executive Michael Kalimnios said the 10-bed ward will be run by AWH, but is located on the top storey of the Border Cancer Hospital, operated by Ramsay.
"We are thankful to Ramsay for their support in managing this current outbreak and allowing us the use of their facilities."
Border Cancer Hospital chief executive Sheryl Keir assured the community the safety and wellbeing of patients and health care workers at the hospital remained the service's number one priority.
"The ward has been physically isolated from the remainder of the hospital by Airlocks and there will be no mixing of staff between the areas," she said.
The agreement followed detailed assessment of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Mr Kalimnios said from an infection control perspective the use of the hospital proved the safest option, due to the isolation rooms, HVAC systems and capacity for negative air pressure.
"The ability to have isolation rooms for the management of patients who are suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases will help protect the health of all patients and staff accessing our health services," Mr Kalimnios said.
"All measures have been addressed to ensure that infection control remains the highest priority, and that the health of vulnerable patients within AWH and Ramsay facilities are not compromised."
The ward will be fully operational, and able to accommodate COVID positive or suspected positive patients, from as early as next week.
Ms Keir said The Border Cancer Hospital will continue to care for the community, with all other services expected to proceed as normal during this time.
"Strict infection control and infrastructure protocols are in place via our comprehensive pandemic management program to protect patients, employees and doctors against COVID-19."
PREVIOUSLY:
Albury Wodonga Health is scaling back community health services in light of the region's growing COVID-19 outbreak.
In an online statement, AWH said services like dental, community allied health and pain management would be scaled back due to the need to redeploy staff to support the local COVID-19 outbreak.
The service is not accepting new appointments at this time, unless it is an emergency.
IN OTHER COVID NEWS:
"We appreciate your patience during this time, all appointments impacted will receive a call from AWH," the service said.
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