Changes to visitor restrictions (from 1 am, 22 January 2021)
In line with the latest advice from Queensland Health, visitor restrictions at all hospitals within the Greater Brisbane region will be lifted from 1 am, 22 January. As part of these guidelines, children under the age of 16 are welcome to visit.
However, we will exclude anyone who;
- has visited a COVID-19 hotspot within the last 14 days (please see Queensland Health list of COVID-19 hotspots)
- has arrived from overseas within the last 14 days
- has come into contact with someone who is a known case of COVID-19
- has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 14 days or is awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test
- is experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 including: fever or history of fever, symptoms of acute respiratory infection (cough, shortness of breath, sore throat), loss of smell, loss of taste, runny nose, nausea, vomiting or fatigue.
Please visit the individual facility pages for further information on all other Mater hospitals across Queensland.
Mask wearing at Mater
From 1 am 22 January 2021, in line with the updated guidelines from Queensland Health, surgical face masks will no longer be required to be worn by all patients, visitors and staff while within any of our hospital facilities. Please be advised that should you wish to wear a mask while within our hospitals, you will be provided with one upon entry.
With these eased safety restrictions, it is important that all visitors practice thorough hand hygiene, maintain social distancing where possible and continue our general clinical safety practises to keep everyone safe.
COVID-19 testing: How and where to get tested
You can view the full list of your nearest COVID-19 testing clinic here, or visit your nearest Mater Pathology COVID-19 collection centre. However please note, a referral from your clinician is required for testing.
Testing criteria
Queensland Health has updated its guidelines for COVID-19 testing and will now test people who have any COVID-19 symptoms including: fever or history of fever, symptoms of acute respiratory infection (cough, shortness of breath, sore throat), loss of smell, loss of taste, runny nose, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or fatigue.
If you meet the testing criteria, please visit your nearest Fever Clinic or contact your doctor immediately. Before your appointment, please call ahead and advise of your symptoms and any recent travel so that they can prepare for your visit.
Testing process
Testing for COVID-19 involves collecting nasal or throat swabs, and sputum (mucus coughed up). These samples are then transferred to the nearest laboratory that is set up to test for COVID-19. After testing, you will be sent home to self-quarantine to wait for the results.
Outpatient appointments
We will continue to offer telehealth appointments for patients where appropriate and re-introduce face to face appointments based on clinical need. We will be in touch to confirm your appointment one week before the available date.
If you are required to attend the clinic for your appointment, we ask that you:
- arrive at the time of your appointment
- maintain the appropriate social distance from staff and other patients
- you consider coming alone, or with only essential others.
We respect that you may like to have a support person with you for some consultations. Given the need to adhere to social distancing, you may bring one support person with you. If you have any additional questions about your appointment, please contact the outpatient clinic on 07 3163 3000.