News
New screening process to protect patients and staff
Aug 14, 2020
Peel Health Campus (PHC), which is part of Ramsay Health Care, is introducing a new COVID-19 screening tool from Monday 17 August.
The robust screening system requires visitors, patients and contractors to scan a unique QR code – using the camera function on their smart phone – before they enter the hospital.
They will be asked simple questions about any possible exposure to COVID-19.
PHC Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Tome, said the screening tool would strengthen the hospital’s COVID-19 screening processes.
“The QR code is being implemented at other Ramsay Health Care hospitals around the country and is designed to help stop the spread of COVID-19,” Mr Tome said.
Mr Tome said it would also streamline the entry process because patients and visitors were currently being screened at the front entrance of the hospital.
“People who are planning to visit the hospital, either as a patient, a visitor, or a contractor will use their smartphone to scan a unique QR code that takes them to an online survey.
“On completion of the survey they will show their phone, which will display the results of the survey, to our screening staff. The QR code can be found on the PHC website or on posters and floor stickers near the main entrances.”
People who do not have a smart phone will be assisted by screening staff and volunteers who will ask the screening questions.
You don’t have to wait until you arrive at the hospital to do the survey – you can complete it at home but you must do it on the day you are visiting as the code is only valid for 24 hours.
Ramsay’s IT team has been working hard to roll out the technology quickly, given the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, particularly in Victoria and New South Wales.
The questions and instructions are also currently being translated into five other languages to assist people for whom English is not their first language. They are: Chinese, French, Arabic, Vietnamese and Italian.
Full details are on the PHC website including the unique QR code.