18 Nov CEO announces important change to TDHS entry process

Dear community members,

Like you, Timboon and District Healthcare Service (TDHS) is continuing to adjust to COVID-normal and I wanted to inform you all of a decision regarding our screening and entry processes.

With further relaxations of COVID restrictions continuing to roll out across Victoria and Australia, we are all entering a phase where COVID-19 cases will occur in the community from time to time.

It is incumbent on TDHS to ensure our workforce is protected as much as possible and by extension the uninterrupted delivery of our services is appropriately safeguarded.

Until now, the screening of visitors has occurred inside our reception area. Please be aware that, from tomorrow (November 19), this process will begin via the intercom outside our main entrance.

Community members will be asked to push the intercom button upon arrival and our reception team will conduct the initial attestation process via the intercom. This will ensure that in the event someone is not able to attest that they haven’t been in recent contact with a COVID-19 case or site, that our services are not impacted by our staff members being required to isolate.

Of course, we will help all visitors who attend the health service, but this change will better protect our staff and operations from possible disruptions that may ultimately impact many more people.

Once visitors can provide their attestation satisfactorily, our reception team will open the door so that the remainder of the screening process can be completed face-to-face.

Thank you in advance for understanding why this process has been changed. It will remain in place as a trial for at least one month. We will keep everyone informed of any further changes.

If you have feedback or suggestions regarding this change or our continued improvements please contact me on 5558 6000.

Kind Regards,
Rebecca Van Wollingen
Chief Executive Officer
Timboon and District Healthcare Service