Visitor restrictions

Your safety is our highest priority. We understand that visiting your loved ones in hospital is important, just as much as their health.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect you, our patients and our staff, we are limiting the number of visitors to our hospitals to:

• up to two visitors at a time
• for any length of time
• during ward visiting hours.

Visitors must practise physical distancing of 1.5 metres. More than two visitors are permitted to provide end-of-life support.

You must not visit hospital if you:

• have been asked to self-quarantine
• have been to a COVID hotspot (interstate) or overseas in the last 14 days
• have had close contact with a person who has COVID-19 in the last 14 days
• are unwell in any way, particularly with a fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath.

Additional restrictions

Wards with additional restrictions

Additional restrictions may apply for some wards. These include:

• Emergency Department, Outpatients, Haemodialysis Unit, Transit Lounges – 1 support person
• COVID-19 Inpatient Ward – No visitors.

Maternity, neonatal and children’s ward visitors

• Birth Suites – 2 support persons per birth
• Maternity Inpatient Ward – 2 visitors at a time, during visiting hours (8am-8pm), ensure physical distancing
• Special Care Nursery – Parents only, one at a time. No children please
• Antenatal appointments, Maternity Assessment Unit – 1 support person

If you are unsure, please check with a staff member in the ward or service.

Exemptions

Exceptions may be granted for patients in:

• Palliative Care/end-of-life care
• Intensive Care.

Other exemptions may be granted for emergency or other compassionate grounds. 

We understand that there may be situations that will need special consideration and ask that you please call ahead to speak with staff in your ward/area.

Social distancing at hospitals

In exceptional cases where visiting loved ones is permitted, you are still required to practice social distancing rules implemented by the Queensland Government.

• Keep a 1.5m distance from others throughout the hospital
• Wash your hands upon entry and exit of each ward or service area
• Visitors should not sit on the patient's bed. Chairs are provided for visitors.

Facilities in Metro South Health follow directions about visiting from the Prime Minister and the Chief Health Officer. 

Sometimes visitors need to be restricted further to ensure patients and residents are safe. It is important to protect our patients or residents from other illnesses including influenza or other non-COVID respiratory viruses. 

At these times, our staff work with patients, residents and family members so everyone knows how they can help keep patients safe.

More information