More than 20 people a day are still being screened at ERH and while no-one is currently in hospital with the virus, there is one active case in the Campaspe region.
ERH's executive director of nursing June Dyson said continuing to follow advice from the government was vital to keeping everyone safe.
“There is always a danger as restrictions ease people will become complacent,” she said.
“ERH is well prepared to manage a ‘second wave’ but like everyone else, we are hopeful this will not be required.”
Despite a nationwide shortage during the height of the pandemic, ERH currently has sufficient stocks of personal protective equipment.
Reflecting on the start of the outbreak in Australia, Ms Dyson said the hospital quickly put a plan together to cope with a patient influx by increasing staffing and trained all senior clinicians on the life-saving measures required for COVID-19 patients.
“I am enormously proud of the way in which all of our staff responded to what was and continues to be an ever changing and evolving landscape,” she said.
“They adapted quickly to every change, volunteered for additional shifts, took on many different roles and continued to provide excellent care and support for our patients and each other.”
A vital part of dealing with the pandemic was the community working together to limit transmission of the virus, and the partnerships between different health services.
The hospital implemented changes such as using telehealth for most outpatient appointments while maintaining face-to-face consults for clients when required.
Ms Dyson said ERH felt very fortunate to be in such a supportive and generous community.
“We are so grateful for the small acts of kindness towards our staff, from the free cups of coffee for nurses, donations of Easter eggs, sewing groups putting together ‘go bags’ and caps, to the many kind words and supportive comments we have received.
“Our community has always been incredibly supportive of the hospital and this has been very evident during the pandemic,” she said.
By the end of May, the ERH screening clinic had screened 1054 people with 824 swabbed, while the asymptomatic clinic saw 995 presentations and screened 221 school staff.
Meanwhile visitor restrictions remain in place at the hospital in line with government guidelines to protect patients, staff and the community.
“It is important that we don’t act too quickly and undo all the good work achieved so far,” Ms Dyson said.
“We would like to take the opportunity to sincerely thank our community for the wonderful support they have provided to our staff and patients during this time.”
Visiting hours are from 4 pm until 8 pm for all inpatient wards, only one authorised visitor is permitted at a time and children under the age of 16 are not allowed.
For any further information on visitation phone ERH on (03) 5485 5000.
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