Download the latest COVID-19 Chief Executive Update for your noticeboards.
Message from the Chief Executive
We are currently treating three COVID-19 positive patients, one at Monash Medical Centre, and two at Dandenong Hospital. Our screening clinics passed the 10,000 test milestone this week and have swabbed 10,509 people to date.
Our work was recognised by the Minister for Health, Jenny Mikakos, on Sunday when she spoke about the state’s centralised approach to the storage and distribution of Personal Protective Equipment and the critical role our distribution centre is playing.
The Minister also acknowledged our efforts in increasing ICU capacity. With new beds at Casey, Dandenong and Clayton, we are aiming to add 200 ICU beds across Monash Health.
Increased testing
The Victorian Government has announced a significant expansion of COVID-19 testing, which will help inform decisions about slowly lifting restrictions when the State of Emergency is reviewed on 11 May 2020. To assist the Government in meeting its target of 100,000 people tested, we have commenced additional testing clinics.
Employee screening clinics
We have implemented voluntary employee screening clinics at MMC Clayton, Dandenong Hospital and Casey Hospital. Further clinics will open at Springvale, Pakenham, Cranbourne Integrated Care Centre and 122 Thomas St shortly, as well as Kingston and Moorabbin. Those who are tested will not be required to self-isolate while waiting for results unless, of course, they have respiratory symptoms.
COVIDSafe app
As the government looks towards a possible easing of restrictions, we are all encouraged to help stop the spread of Coronavirus by downloading COVIDSafe. Developed by the Australian Government, the COVIDSafe app helps track the spread of COVID-19, so outbreaks can be found and contained quickly. I have downloaded the app. The more of us who connect to the app, the quicker we can find and help those who may have the virus.
Thank you as always for your hard work and commitment.
Andrew Stripp
Chief Executive
Key Messages
Employee screening clinics
Voluntary employee screening clinics are now in place at MMC Clayton, Dandenong Hospital and Casey Hospital. Further clinics will open at Springvale, Pakenham, Cranbourne Integrated Care Centre and 122 Thomas St shortly. Our employee clinics will open from 8:00am to 4:30pm, seven days a week at MMC, Dandenong Hospital and Casey Hospital, and five days a week at our community sites. Read more here.
Changes to testing criteria
COVID-19 testing criteria has been expanded. Click here for the latest information.
Let’s work together to stop the spread of COVID-19
COVIDSafe is an app developed by the Australian Government that assists health officials in understanding and tackling the spread of Coronavirus. Download the app by searching ‘COVIDSafe’ from the App Store or Google Play. Read more here.
New drive-in immunisation clinic at 264 Clayton Road
This week we launched a new drive-in immunisation clinic at 264 Clayton Road, to make it easier for people to get their flu vaccinations. Read more here.
Clarifying Goals of Care documentation
The Goals of Care (GOC) summary form is required to be completed on admission, or as soon as is practical following a discussion with the patient or their medical treatment decision maker. The form can be completed by Emergency Department or inpatient unit medical staff. GOC Summary form completion must not delay the patient’s movement out of the emergency department and, importantly, inpatient units should not refuse to accept patients without the Goals of Care Summary form.
Distribution centre in the news
We received media coverage this weekend of our distribution centre, stocked with vital medical supplies ready to be distributed to Victorian health care workers on the front-line of the coronavirus pandemic.
Capital Projects update
As the response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, Monash Health’s major construction projects have responded by adjusting the program of works to ensure we can meet the health needs of the community. Read more here.
Process for receiving gifts and donations
During the COVID-19 response, Monash Health has been receiving an increased number of enquiries from generous businesses and the general public, wanting to donate food, toys and equipment such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). While the kindness and support of the community is appreciated, it is important to make sure you are familiar with the process for receiving and recognising these gifts. Read more here.
Visitors bringing food from home
While visitor restrictions are still in place, we understand some visitors may wish to bring food in for patients. Visitors are permitted to bring in one meal for the duration of their visit, in line with our PROMPT policy.
Update on information for employees at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19
The challenge of how we work with ‘higher risk’ employees to keep them safe has been one of the top issues occupying the minds of the executive, managers and employees over recent weeks. The frequently asked questions, screening checklist and process-flow for high-risk employees have all been updated on the COVID-19 employee website. The changes are based on the most recent advice from DHHS. Read more here.
Touch-free thermal scanning thermometers in Community
To limit the spread of undetected illness, we are implementing temperature scanning across all Community sites, including SECASA. All employees, clients and visitors will now have their temperature checked on entry with a Thermoscan handheld thermometer. Find more information here.
Maxxia videoconferencing appointments
While Maxxia is currently not available on site, you are still able to discuss your salary packaging with them via phone or BlueJeans. Find out more here.
Community Assessment and Response Team Update
The Community Assessment and Response Team (CART) model, which targets patients with complex/chronic conditions to avoid unnecessary emergency department presentations and hospital admissions/length of stay, is launching a three-month pilot program. Read more here.
Residential care employees get your flu vaccination now
Following the Federal Government announcement that stipulates all those entering aged care facilities must have current influenza vaccination; from 1 May 2020, any employee who does not have a current influenza vaccine and evidence that this has been obtained, will be unable to work within Residential Services at Monash Health. These regulations ensure we can protect those in our care who are most vulnerable to the effects of the flu. Further details can be found here.
Flu vaccination FAQs
A comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions about the flu vaccination is available here.
Managing your wellbeing during COVID-19
It’s worth taking some quiet time to read, watch, and think about how you are managing your wellbeing and that of those around you at this time. Building on our existing wellbeing programs, Barry Bloch, Head of Organisational Transformation, has provided a number of tools for employees and managers to help with managing our behaviour and anxieties as we work through a difficult time. I encourage you to take a look here.
Ensure you are working to the most up-to-date advice
The information about COVID-19 is changing rapidly. Ensure you are working to the most up-to-date advice by referring to the Monash Health Employee Coronavirus website. To make accessing the site quicker, you can create a shortcut on your smartphone by following these instructions.
