Visitors & Visiting Hours

Wearing a mask is required if you are visiting a patient/resident area or have an appointment (Including wards, appointments, urgent care and other clinical areas). No mask is required when you are not in a patient area (Including reception area, corridors and stairwells). There are PPE stations at each entrance. We encourage you to wear a mask if you have any symptoms of illness.

Snap closure of visitors to individual wards will occur if deemed necessary if there is a COVID-19 exposure as determined by Infection Prevention team.

Visiting hours are between 8 am – 7pm.

It is recommended only 2 visitors per patient at one time. Exemption can be granted for additional visitors by NUM, ANUM or nurse in charge for compassionate reasons.

Visitors will be determined by the patient and the family. No visitors will be permitted to see COVID positive patients, unless there is an exemption for end-of-life.

• Visitors no longer need to be 16 year or older.
• Any child above the age of 8 must wear a mask.
• ALL visitors to SWH are required to wear a mask unless they have an exemption, N95 masks and surgical masks will be provided at entry points. Visitors to determine the most appropriate mask for them. Please ensure that visitors adhere to this even when alone with patients in a room. Masks are not to be removed to consume food or drinks.
• Support visits are permitted in emergency departments, outpatient settings, wards and birthing suites.

One support person only in the Emergency Department. Exemption can be permitted by shift coordinator to allow additional support people e.g., for compassionate reasons. If the support person is staying overnight they must complete RAT at triage or prior to entry to ED.

Visitors with COVID-19 symptoms or visitors who are a known primary close contact of a positive case will not be permitted to visit SWH.

Merindah Lodge

Merindah Lodge is now allowing five visitors per resident per day, it is preferred visitors book ahead. Visitors must undertake a RAT before entering the building. Visitors must have proof of two doses of COVID-19 vaccination. A surgical mask must be worn at all times.

Please follow these steps below:

1. Call Merindah Lodge on 03 5593 7366 to book a time to visit.

2. Arrive at Merindah Lodge 15-20 minutes before your booking time to allow time to undertake a Rapid Antigen Test.

3. Staff will provide you with a RAT and will be available to help you if you need assistance.

5. If your result is negative you’re free to enter.​​​​​​​

Non-essential contractors are restricted from entry, ALL contractors require approval from the direct line manager of the department requiring contractor entry.