Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQ

COVID-19 is still with us, but is a substantially diminished threat compared to at the height of the pandemic. Vaccinations are no longer compulsory for all participants entering our clinics. However, there will be some studies that have vaccination requirements. These will be communicated to you if applicable during phone screening.

If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19, you will have to wait at least 14 days since your diagnosis to attend a screening visit.

If you have previously had COVID-19, you can still be eligible to participate in a clinical trial, depending on the severity of your case. Our team is happy to discuss your options - just give us a call on 1800 243 733.

Nucleus Network is committed to continuing the vital work undertaken by our clinical trials, with studies continuing to take place.

The safety and quality of our trials and facilities is our number one priority. We have introduced strict measures to ensure the safety of all clinical trial participants, visitors and staff, and the quality of our trials.

In addition to the standard infection control practiced in its three clinics, Nucleus Network has implemented increased risk mitigations associated with Coronavirus (COVID-19). These include:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) participant/patient screenings on phone and in-clinic
• We ensure that appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is worn by our staff and participants throughout our facilities. This includes the use of masks, gloves, gowns, and eyewear where appropriate.
• Regular hand sanitizing using alcohol-based hand rub with 70% alcohol
  
• 1.5m spacing in waiting, dining, and recreational areas
  
• Isolation protocols are in place where additional PPE are worn when required for any person displaying high-risk symptoms, this includes utilizing dedicated bed and bathroom bays
  
• Infection prevention and control procedures are in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) and best practice guidelines.
• Participants may undergo a Rapid Antigen Test on admission
• Participants may have a PCR swab collected two days prior to admission (organised & paid for by Nucleus Network)

These measures go above and beyond recommended clinical practices and provide a gold standard in infection control. We will continue to update and refine our approach to Coronavirus (COVID-19) in line with the situation in Melbourne and Brisbane.

Participants will be questioned over the phone to determine if they have any risk factors for Coronavirus (COVID-19) exposure:

• Direct contact with anyone known to be infected with Coronavirus (COVID-19), and/or
  
• Currently have or have had cold / flu symptoms in the past 14 days.

Anyone who answers ‘yes’ to any of the questions above should not visit the unit. If you already have a screening appointment planned, please call 1800 243 733

The above questions will again be asked when the participant presents for their screening visit and the participant will also have their temperature taken and be requested to wash their hands with hand sanitizer upon presentation. However, we ask that if participants do have any cold or flu-like symptoms, they inform the clinic and do not attend their medical screening. We will advise the most appropriate action.

Active trial participants attending the site for an inpatient or outpatient visit will be required to undergo the same process as described above. It is important for participant safety that all outpatient visits are attended as scheduled during the trial process. However, we ask that if participants do have any cold or flu-like symptoms, they inform the clinic and not attend their medical screening. We will advise the most appropriate action.

Trial participants who begin to experience side effects, changes in their health, or have concerns should always speak with the clinical staff/study doctor as soon as possible. In relation to Coronavirus (COVID-19), any fever, cough or other flu-like symptoms noted should immediately be brought to the attention of clinical staff. We will need to medically assess participants and, if necessary, relocate to a different area for further treatment whilst it is established what the cause is.

Visitors are usually permitted during long-stay trial admissions. However, to reduce the risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission we will be restricting visitor access at our facilities until further notice. We apologize for this inconvenience and understand the stress this may cause in some cases. We will work with trial participants to find alternative ways to remain in contact with family and friends.