The Victorian Liberal Nationals are today calling for uniform hospital visitation arrangements to give certainty and fairness to patients and their families.
Despite the COVID pandemic running for more than two years, hospitals have not been provided sufficient guidance on rules relating to visitation of patients by family, friends and loved ones.
This inconsistency is causing confusion across the healthcare system and significant distress for patients and families whilst receiving treatment and during their recovery.
Shadow Ministers for Disability Tim Bull and Shadow Minister for Health Georgie Crozier said it was crucial patients were able to stay connected with family and that consistent rules were delivered across the health system.
"Over recent weeks I have been contacted by several concerned family members and advocates who cannot get into the hospital to see a person with special needs who is not coping," Mr Bull said.
"Many of these patients are living with a disability and need the support of trusted family, friends and carers which unfortunately is too often being denied."
"Having time together with loved ones plays a critical role in supporting the wellbeing of patients in hospitals, we must do everything we can to safely keep families together," Ms Crozier said.
"By providing a uniform set of rules relating to hospital visitations, we can make life easier for patients, carers, family and staff whilst supporting better outcomes for those in hospital."
The Andrews Labor Government must provide clear visitation guidelines across the healthcare system and to disability advocates so we can safely keep patients connected with family and better support their recovery.
