COVID-19 information for SALHN staff

The information on this page is designed for Southern Adelaide Local Network (SALHN) staff to provide information about COVID-19 across the network.

This page is reviewed and updated frequently, however we encourage you to check with your line manager for the most up to date information as it may change frequently.

Please continue to use the SALHN intranet for a full list of resources.

Return to work

Have you been exposed to COVID-19 or a close contact?

Filling out the Return to work form will help to assess your COVID exposure and provide you with information on what you need to do in response.

The SALHN Outbreak Management Team (OMT) are responsible for assessing all Return to Work forms and providing subsequent advice.

Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT)

Rapid Antigen Testing is another way we can keep ourselves and others safe while at work. If you require a RAT pack, please speak with your line manager/division as they are responsible for distributing to staff.

RAT principles at SALHN:

  • It is recommended that all asymptomatic staff/students take a test every SECOND day BEFORE coming onsite to begin their shift*.
  • *You do not need to take the test if you are not rostered to work. Re-commence testing on your next scheduled shift.
  • Perform the test within 12 hours but no less than 2 hours prior to commencement of shift (or immediately prior if you get called in).

A reminder that it is mandatory to log any positive RAT results using the form on the SA Health website. Reporting of negative and invalid results is not mandatory but is recommended to give a clearer picture of COVID-19 testing in South Australia.

SALHN staff members who receive a positive RAT are also to undergo a PCR test. The preferred PCR testing location for healthcare workers is the Victoria Park drive through testing site. Please let staff at the clinic know you are a healthcare worker and use the dedicated healthcare worker lane which is accessible through Halifax Street. Please have your staff ID badge with you as proof of Healthcare Worker ID if attending via the Halifax Street entrance.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

SALHN staff working in clinical areas are now required to wear a D95/N95 mask and protective eyewear.

If you are not yet fit tested, please arrange an appointment via our Clinical Work Health and Safety Team. Fit testing is currently being prioritised for those in clinical/high risk areas so please be patient when contacting the Worker Health and Safety Clinic to make an appointment.

Below are some handy links providing more information on PPE:

COVID-19 vaccinations

On 24 May 2022 the Major Emergency Declaration was lifted and amendments made to the South Australian Public Health Act 2011 to ensure important public health measures are maintained to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Despite the lifting of the Major Emergency Declaration, Emergency Management Directions continue to be in force under section 90C of the South Australian Public Health Act. This includes:

  • Emergency Management (COVID-19) (Healthcare Setting Workers Vaccination No 7) Direction 2021

It is important that you submit your evidence of vaccination by completing the SALHN COVID-9 Vaccination Record online form. 

Staffroom advice

COVID-19 outbreak data from interstate Australian healthcare facilities indicates that staff-to-staff cross-infection risk is highest in break/tea rooms when an asymptomatic staff member (unknowingly infectious) eats with their colleagues.

For this reason, SALHN staff are encouraged to eat and drink in isolation with your own cutlery, outside wherever possible, and limit the use of tearooms to storing and heating meals.

Follow these strategies to minimise risk to yourself and others:

  • do not attend work if you are unwell
  • perform hand hygiene before and after eating
  • clean preparation areas and tables before and after with a disinfectant/detergent wipe
  • wear your mask whenever you are not eating or drinking
  • maintain 1.5m distancing from other staff
  • eat outdoors wherever possible

Staff wellbeing

The wellbeing of staff is a priority and we encourage you to take steps to look after your wellbeing during this time.

Below are some contacts and resources to support staff wellbeing:

  • Wellbeing Checklist poster (PDF 73KB) - contains a checklist for staff to action before they go home after their shift 
  • SA COVID-19 Mental Health Support line (1800 632 753) - available 8.00am to 8.00pm, 7 days a week
  • Employee Assistance Program: Access Programs - 1300 66 77 00, Human Psychology — 1300 277 924
  • Open Your World provides South Australians and their families with valuable resources, tools and information to support improved wellbeing by staying healthy, active and connected.

To encourage staff to take time for their own health and wellbeing, Arts in Health at Flinders Medical Centre have produced three online meditation videos which are available for staff to use at any time. The production of these videos was generously funded by Flinders Foundation as part of its Flinders Heroes campaign.

COVID-19 leave provisions

The Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment has issued a new determination for leave arrangements due to COVID-19.

There have been some changes in relation to leave, in particular where employees have been exposed to COVID-19 and are required to isolate/quarantine. A summary of these changes can be found in the table linked below:

COVID-19 SA Adjusted Leave Arrangements

The full content of the determination can be found at

Employment Conditions - Hours of Work, Overtime and Leave: Supplementary Provisions for COVID-19

Working from home

Outlook Web Access for emails
SALHN staff who have a valid HAD logon (email address and password) can access their work emails through an internet browser via the Outlook Web Access (OWA) email interface.

Digital Health SA service desk
Phone: 1300 138 913
Email: DigitalHealthSAServiceDesk@sa.gov.au

Multi-factor authentication – Microsoft 365
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for Microsoft 365 is required when working remotely on a personal device but not connected via SA Health’s VPN.

For more information on using MFA with your device, see the following Information sheets.