West Wimmera service lockdown

West Wimmera Health Service has locked down its facilities in the wake of new COVID-19 cases in the region.

Chief executive Ritchie Dodds said the service had made the move to ensure the safety of patients, residents and staff members.

“We obviously can’t be certain, but there is a very real likelihood that at some stage soon we will see the virus spread to one or more of the local communities we cover,” he said.

“If and when the virus does arrive we must remain calm and bear in mind key advice from the government.”

West Wimmera Health Service residential aged care and hospital facilities will suspend visiting until further notice, with exceptional circumstances approved only by the onsite director of nursing.

“We appreciate it is challenging for residents and loved ones that visiting has again been suspended, but it is important that we minimise the possibility of COVID-19 spreading into our facilities,” Mr Dodds said.

Acute services are still operating for emergency and urgent-care cases. The service has asked patients seeking urgent care to phone ahead so staff can advise the best course of action. In emergencies people should call triple zero.

“GP Clinics are the best place to obtain blood collection, management of wound dressings and other non-urgent medical treatment,” Mr Dodds said.

“We are supported by a full contingent of highly qualified medical practitioners throughout our communities.

“West Wimmera Health Service is starting procedures where all staff, urgent-care patients and community-care high-priority clients will be required to wear a mask.

“The mask is to remain on during their visit until they exit the facility.”

Allied health and community health centres will provide telehealth appointments where possible and face-to-face appointments will be for high-priority cases only.

NDIS and home care package clients will continue to receive personal care.