There has been an increase in patients presenting to Bundaberg Hospital who are positive for COVID-19.
As a result, Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service has placed Bundaberg Hospital in ‘amber’ status under Queensland Health’s COVID-19 guidelines as of today.
This means that masks are now mandatory when on the grounds of Bundaberg Hospital and surrounding facilities such as Cancer Care, Mental Health Units and the Margaret Rose Centre.
Other HHS facilities across the region remain at ‘green’ status.
Currently there are 17 confirmed cases, though further test results may confirm additional cases.
WBHHS Acting Chief Executive Fiona Sewell assured the community that there was no cause for alarm.
“We are being cautious in the lead up to the Easter break, and we’re increasing our safety measures to protect our most vulnerable patients,” Fiona said.
“Our community and staff are really familiar with COVID safety requirements, and we’re confident that these changes will have minimal impact on patients and visitors to Bundaberg Hospital.
“Our executive leadership and health emergency operations teams consist of a diverse mix of experienced doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.
“Thanks to the diligent planning of this experienced team that lead us through the COVID-19 pandemic, Bundaberg Hospital continues to safely provide emergency, outpatient, elective surgery and other normal services.”
WBHHS will advise the public of any further change to visitor requirements if they occur.
