Mackay Hospital and Health Service is well prepared and ready to respond to people with COVID-19.
We are working in partnership with GPs and others in primary care and private healthcare to ensure we can meet the needs of our communities.
We have plans in place to care for people who require testing or admission to hospital and have increased resources in our emergency department and ICU. Extra beds available should members of our community require hospital assessment or admission.
For general information on symptoms, contact tracing and the latest state-wide updates, please visit the Queensland Health COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) page. For localised information, please see the information below.
COVID-19 testing and vaccination locations
Our COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics in Mackay closed as of Friday, 10 June 2022.
Our clinics have played a key role in the COVID-19 pandemic response however it’s now time to use Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) as PCR tests are no as longer as useful as they were due to the widespread availability of RATs.
You can buy RAT kits in retail shops and pharmacies and schools have RAT kits for children who develop symptoms while at school.
You may also access free RAT kits from community pharmacies if you hold an eligible Commonwealth concession card.
Free Medicare-funded PCR testing is available at private pathology-operated clinics for anyone with a Medicare card and a GP referral.
Please do not present to our emergency departments for a test if you have minor respiratory symptoms.
If you have respiratory symptoms and test negative on a RAT, you may have influenza or another virus. It’s important you remain at home and isolate while you are unwell to avoid making others sick.
Getting your COVID-19 vaccination is safe, free, and effective and remains the best way to protect yourself and your community.
Use the Australian Government Department of Health Vaccine Clinic Finder to locate and book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.
Visiting our facilities
Some COVID-19 restrictions for visitors at our facilities have been lifted in line with statewide processes.
Anyone can now visit a hospital in Queensland regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status.
However the following restrictions remain for hospital visitors who:
• have COVID-19
• recently had COVID-19 and it has been 7 days or less since isolation period ended
• are a close contact
• have returned from overseas in the last 7 days
• have recently had COVID-19 test and are waiting to receive the results
• have COVID-19 symptoms
Exemptions may be provided for recently returned overseas travellers and close contacts or diagnosed cases in exceptional or compassionate circumstances. Please speak to the treating clinician.
Restrictions do not apply to patients, we will always provide care for everyone who needs it.
Although some restrictions have now eased, some departments still have visitor restrictions in place, including our ED where no visitors are allowed unless patients are critically unwell, palliative or paediatric.
IMPORTANT: All hospital visitors are still required to wear a face mask while visiting our hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Read more about visiting hospitals and aged care facilities here.
Virtual Ward patients
These are the relevant documents to your are:
Coming to your appointment:
- only come in for your appointment if you are well
- if you are unwell it is important that you do not attend your scheduled appointment. Please either respond ‘No’ to your text message (if applicable) or contact the relevant department via the phone number on your booking letter.
Birthing during COVID-19
Mackay HHS has undertaken planning to care for women with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. These plans will continue to be updated in line with the latest advice from the Chief Health Officer.
Our hospitals are well prepared to respond to COVID-19 to ensure they are a safe place for you and your baby. Staff are vigilant with cleaning, handwashing and using protective equipment to keep you and your baby safe.
Latest news on COVID-19
Follow the Mackay Hospital and Health Service Facebook page for more news on COVID-19 in our community.
