Maryborough District Health Service will reopen the doors to the Urgent Care Centre (UCC) to providing easier access to Urgent Care and Medical Imaging from Monday 28 August.
MDHS Director of Nursing (Acute) Heather Blazko said the health service closed general access to the hospital via the UCC entry for safety purposes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Now the risk of COVID-19 transmission is lower we are aiming to get back to business as usual,” said Ms Blazko.
“Reopening the doors at UCC will provide direct access to the Medical Imaging department. This will also make it easier for vulnerable and less mobile patients who can be dropped off right at the door outside UCC, rather than entering via the main entrance of the hospital.”
The doors at the Urgent Care Centre will open from 8.30am to 8.30pm seven days a week. Visitors to Urgent Care outside these hours will need to press the intercom button to gain entry. Medical Imaging is open from 8.30am to 5.00pm weekdays in line with business hours.
Wearing a surgical mask is still required in Urgent Care and Medical Imaging departments to stay COVIDSafe and protect vulnerable patients from illness. Masks and sanitiser are available on entry.
With the hospital redevelopment occurring next door, there have been some changes in parking at Urgent Care.
A new drive way and pedestrian access ramp provides access to the UCC from Clarendon Street. There is no public parking outside Urgent Care and Medical Imaging. This area is strictly reserved for ambulance access and patient drop-off only.
MDHS reminds patients, families and carers to use the dedicated walkway to access the UCC on foot.
Nearby short-term parking is available on Clarendon and Neill Streets. Off-street parking is available in the new car park at the northern end of the hospital.
MDHS encourages patrons to adhere to the time limits for on-street parking to provide fair access for all patients and visitors to the area. As a reminder Central Goldfields Shire Council will enforce parking restrictions in the hospital precinct from September.