THE Penola War Memorial Hospital’s emergency department will remain closed indefinitely despite the easing of COVID-19 restrictions across the state.
The Church Street site was one of six regional South Australian emergency departments closed in late March as a health precaution due to co-located aged care facilities.
As an interim measure, patients presenting to the hospital are assessed by nursing staff – triaged based on their needs – and then transferred to either Naracoorte or Mount Gambier hospitals by the South Australian Ambulance Service or MedSTAR.
Limestone Coast Local Health Network chief executive Ngaire Buchanan confirmed to The Pennant the emergency department would remain closed to protect vulnerable people against the potential spread of COVID-19.
“We are closely monitoring the situation as it evolves and will make appropriate decisions on reopening the department based on official health advice to ensure the health and safety of the community,” Ms Buchanan said.
She said restrictions had also started to ease in aged care facilities with children under the age of 16 now allowed to visit.
“As part of our response to COVID-19, specific arrangements for visitors will remain in place across the Limestone Coast Local Health Network in order to protect patients, aged care residents and staff,” she said.
“While restrictions are being eased in South Australia it is important we continue to follow official health guidelines and get tested to ensure the health and safety of the community.”
