This document is a summarised version of OP-RS5-Visitor Management – General Public. The summary has been created to be Emergency Department specific, and has been endorsed by the ED Leadership Team. Staff should review supporting documents if they require further information.
This QRG provides an overview of the management of SHED visitor access and movement.
As per WH procedure, the management of visitor access and movement through Western Health sites supports the provision of a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors and staff. Additionally, the control of visitors within the SHED will ensure the accountability and safety of these persons whilst on site.
This QRG is applicable to all SHED staff and provides the relevant detail required to support the WH Procedure OP-RS5 Visitor Management – General Public.
It is the responsibility of the SH ED Nurse Unit Managers and Directors to ensuring that all relevant staff are appropriately trained and orientated to the content detailed in this QRG. All SHED staff are to ensure this guideline is always adhered to, to support effective management of visitors.
As per OP-RS5 Visitor Management – General Public, visitors may have free access to all designated public areas, including the SHED, during normal business hours of the hospital (0800 – 2000).
After 2000, all hospital visitors must report to the SHED Triage and request access to the hospital to visit a patient. Security will, in the first instance, contact the relevant ward to establish if access can be approved. If Security is not present, SHED clerical staff are to follow the same procedure. If after-hours access is approved, Security will ensure completion of the visitor’s sign in register and will issue an access wristband. In all possible circumstances Security must be advised by ward staff of a visitor’s intention to leave the hospital.
When a visitor wishes to access the SHED at any time, they present to Triage and provide the details of the patient they wish to visit. If the Nurse in Charge/Treating Nurse deems the visit to be appropriate, a visitor sticker is issued (the sticker colour varies and aligns with the colour of wrist bands issued by Security for access to other areas of the Sunshine Hospital). The Triage Clerk or concierege staff (where available) directs the visitor to the appropriate intercom at the entry of the pod to be visited, including an instruction to press the intercom button.
Note, all movement between the SHED Pods requires staff swipe card access into a pod (there is free egress out).
There is a strict one visitor per patient limit for all patients allowed – with exception given to special circumstances such a end of life care.
Visitors are restricted entry in the Resuscitation area and Behaviour Assessment Rooms – unless there are exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the ANUM or Senior Medical Officer with an escort into this area.
Restrictions also apply where infection prevention principals prohibit visitors from clinical spaces.
SHED Intercoms Principles:
To promote consistency, the following communication prompts will be displayed at each intercom phone is staff bases:
Hello, my name is…..
How can I help you?
Can you please show me your visitor sticker?
(If appropriate) I will open the door for you. (Press unlock/key on screen)
Please follow the signs to…..
There is no check out process for SHED visitors.
Image 1: SHED Intercoms: |
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Image 2: SHED intercom phones: |
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Image 3: Intercom phone screen |
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| Title: | Access Management in The SHED | |
| Version: | 2.0 | |
| Date Published: | June, 2021 | |
| Date of scheduled review: | 01/02/2022 | |
| Author: | Approver: | |
| SHED Leadership Team | SHED Leadership Team | |
