Not sure if this belongs in a covid thread, but I guess it can be moved if so. Thought I would share the covid-type precautions when I was admitted to hospital via Emergency Dept on Friday (all OK, false alarm; I went to Emergency out of an abundance of caution and because I have excellent health insurance!).
I had or felt an 'issue' in downtown Hobart after a strenuous gym session, so I showered then walked 100m into the Emergency Dept of Hobart Private Hospital. Mask on at entrance, quickly triaged by nurse at reception, usual covid questions. Vax status asked but evidence not asked for. I filled out a bit of paperwork and paid the fee, as I clearly wasn't 'critical' for my minor symptoms.
Admitted to the emergency ward; curtains closed and again triaged by masked nurse poking her head through the curtains at an appropriate distance. Given a RAT, throat and nose swab with nurse in full PPE. Hooked up to machines by nurse in full PPE. Nothing except observations until result came through (doctor may have poked her head through curtains, can't remember); I was comfortable and knew myself by this time that it most likely wasn't the medical issue feared, but happy to see it through.
RAT negative, then consult by doctor in mask only. Bloods taken. Chest x-rays; enternal wait; one blood result higher than it should be. Wait 2 hours for second blood to be taken. Wait for more hours until result came through - a little bit more elevated. My specialist consulted by phone by the staff and wants me admitted. Damn; I wasn't expecting that by this time.
PCR test given; results took some hours to come through - negative, then taken up to the critical care ward. Masks on in all 'public' areas on the ward, but I could take my mask off in my room - that was a bonus and surprise and I wasn't asked to mask up when people came into my room. All workers on the ward in masks; no visitors allowed (to the hospital full stop except for palliative etc). My specialist came in Saturday morning, closely examined all results, me and my circumstances. OK to be discharged. Nothing to see here.
And that was about it; all the covid stuff seemed approriate and sensible from my point of view, except for not being asked for evidence of vax status on ED admission. No evidence of any stretched resources; some of my waits were long, but I don't think thats unusual.
And the whole process? It was a bit of a nuisance for me; happy to suffer it rather than bear the worry of whatever it might have been flaring up to something serious later. Strangely, I never was given any inpatient admittance paperwork.