Not much change between levels at Dunstan Hospital

LEVEL 3 Covid19 restrictions at Dunstan Hospital closely resemble those put in place for Level 4.

As the hospital transitioned between alert levels yesterday, Central Otago Health Services chief executive Dr Kathryn de Luc thanked people for abiding by lockdown rules.

‘‘Central Otago Health Services and Dunstan Hospital would like to take this opportunity as we move into Level 3 to thank our community.

‘‘Your adherence to the Level 4 restrictions has helped protect our staff to ensure they are safe in their home bubbles and available to continue to care for our most vulnerable people in our hospital and in the Community.’’

Planning for Level 3 continued to evolve and visitor restrictions would remain similar to Level 4, with the decision on visits made at the discretion of the nurse in charge on any given day.

She asked people to contact the ward to ascertain if an inpatient was in their bubble and encouraged patients to remain in touch with patients via digital options.

Outpatient, radiology and Xray services would resume to a limited extent and based on clinical priority only.

Some community visits would still be managed differently and patients would be informed of alternative arrangements.

Chemotherapy day services at the hospital would remain as they were under Level 4 in the occupational therapy gym.

Waiting room capacity was also reduced to adhere to social distancing requirements, with a strict screening process at the front door, Dr de Luc said.