COVID-19
TELEPHONE CONSULTS & CHANGES TO OUR PRACTICE:
We have implemented a number of changes at the practice to minimise the risk of coronavirus spreading and to protect patients and staff. These include physical changes to the waiting and consultation rooms, frequent cleaning and disinfection and asking patients about symptoms or recent travel or exposure to coronavirus when booking an appointment.
From 30th March 2020, we encourage all patients to book a telephone consultation which will always be Bulk-Billed . If a Face to Face consultation is needed please call the practice on 9332 2531 to arrange this with your preferred doctor at our standard fees (see our website).
COVID-19 INFORMATION:
What is coronavirus? Novel coronavirus or COVID-19 is a type of virus. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses which cause respiratory tract infections. The severity of novel coronavirus infection can vary from very mild to severe, life threatening illness. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, tiredness and difficulty breathing
If you believe you have been exposed to, or may have coronavirus and you have mild to moderate symptoms please:
Immediately isolate yourself from others, you may call the practice on 9332 2531. A nurse or doctor will speak with you and advise about the best course of action and what to do next.
For the safety of other patients and staff, if you have any symptoms please do not attend the practice in person until you have discussed with a nurse or doctor by phone.
If you have severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, feeling very unwell in yourself, or high fevers it is safest to present to a hospital emergency department immediately or call an ambulance so you can be assessed and treated as quickly as possible.
Please call ahead to the hospital or ambulance to let them know about your condition and the possibility you may have coronavirus
TESTING FOR CORONAVIRUS:
When you call the practice, we will be able to tell you if you meet the current testing criteria and if so, will arrange for you to be tested. We are able to conduct testing for patients at the practice where other alternatives are not available.
GENERAL MEASURES:
Please isolate yourself at home immediately if you develop any cold, flu or respiratory symptoms, observe social distancing, and practice regular hand hygiene. Stay at home and work from home as much as possible and avoid unnecessary trips. This will help to limit and slow the spread of coronavirus in the community. Only if everyone in the community follows these measures will we be able to limit the spread of the virus.
We recognise that this is a stressful, uncertain and anxiety-provoking time for many reasons. If you are having difficulty, please contact the practice to arrange a telephone consultation with your GP or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
USEFUL LINKS AND NUMBERS:
NSW Health Coronavirus page
https://preview.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
Federal Government Coronavirus page
https://www.health.gov.au
National Coronavirus Helpline - 1800 020 080
Prince of Wales Hospital - 9382 2222
St Vincent’s Hospital - 9382 1111
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital - 9515 6111
Sydney Children’s Hospital - 9382 1111
FLU VACCINES AND CHILDHOOD IMMUNISATIONS:
Flu vaccines are provided by the government for certain high risk groups including children under 5 years old, those over 65 years old and people with chronic medical problems at no cost. Private flu vaccines are also available for other people at a cost of $20. Children should continue to attend the practice for their childhood checks and vaccinations. As children are more likely to have asymptomatic coronavirus, and the elderly are more vulnerable to complications of the illness we will be running dedicated clinics (specific days and times) for children/adults and elderly/high risk patients to receive immunisations. Private flu vaccines will be available very soon and we anticipate government vaccines will arrive in early to mid April 2020 Please call the practice to arrange to have your vaccine.
