Visitors & visiting hours

Exceptions are in place for special circumstances and visitors of palliative care patients.

These changes are in response to the reintroduction of stage 3 restrictions and are important to maintain the health and safety of our employees, patients and consumers.

Where possible phone calls and video chat are encouraged between patients and consumers and visitors.

Requirement for carers in all areas

• Do not attend if you are unwell
• You will be screened for signs of COVID-19 when entering Royal Melbourne Hospital sites
• All essential carers will be required to wear surgical masks, which will be provided upon entering
• Maintain 1.5m distance from patients, employees and others
• Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment must be worn as directed by the nursing team

Emergency Department

• No visitors allowed - exceptions are in place for special circumstances
• You will be screened for signs of COVID-19 when entering the emergency department
• All visitors will be required to wear surgical masks, which will be provided upon entering
• Maintain 1.5m distance from patients, employees and others
• Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment must be worn as directed by nursing team

Intensive Care Unit

• No visitors will be permitted unless by prior arrangement
• Where possible phone and video chat encouraged
• Next of kin will be kept informed of their loved one's condition

Residential Aged Care

• No visitors unless by appointment with the Nurse Unit Manager
• Carers by appointment only
• Carers must have had an up-to-date flu vaccination and sign a declaration to this effect

Palliative care

• Two visitors in a 24-hour period. No time restrictions for visits.
• If under 16, only the children and grandchildren of the patient are allowed and must be under the direct supervision of an adult at all times.

Mental Health (including residential, aged and community)

• Carers by appointment only and restricted to nominated carers

Visitor screening

All visitors will be screened prior to entry at the Royal Melbourne Hospital City Campus. This includes outpatients and patients arriving for surgery. Visitors will be asked a series of health questions, and receive a temperature check.

Visitors and security after hours

When general visiting hours finish, most wards will close and lock their doors to provide additional security.

Designated visitors may arrange with the Nurse in Charge to stay outside general visiting hours. The designated visitors may be asked to wear a green Visitor sticker to help staff identify them.