The Royal Children’s Hospital is currently caring for one patient who has tested positive to COVID-19 on our Kookaburra (oncology) ward.

We are supporting the child’s family and treating team during this unsettling time while we undertake contact tracing, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services.

As is our usual practice in these situations, all staff working on the ward have been notified, along with current inpatient families and any who may have been discharged since 30 September.

As contact tracing remains underway, staff already identified as close contacts of the patient are now undertaking the required testing and self-quarantine. Asymptomatic testing of other staff who have spent time on the ward, along with inpatients and their families, is underway.

Just as COVID-19 is impacting our state, it is to be expected that the RCH will also be impacted. Our staff are trained and prepared for such an outcome, and remain committed to protecting our patients, their families and our team. Since the pandemic began in early 2020, we have treated 20 COVID-19 positive inpatients.

The RCH has not allowed visitors onsite since March, prior to hospital visitor directives being issued. All parents, guardians and staff entering the hospital must undergo health screening and temperature checking before being allowed access.

We continue to work closely with the Department of Health and Human Services to finalise contact tracing for this case and ensure the highest level of response.

We encourage anyone who has questions to contact the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 or visit https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus