From Dr Gracia Chong, Dr Brett Locker and team
BACKGROUND
The current COVID-19 (CoronaVirus) global outbreak has required an unprecedented response from healthcare providers and in the community. Evidence has shown that widespread infection has the potential to overwhelm our hospitals with patients requiring ventilation and ICU support, and it has been shown to be a serious risk for health and life. Key measures to reduce the risk of spread include limitation of close contacts, social distancing in the community, vaccination and hand hygiene measures. To stay up to date with Government information on COVID-19 please see: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
OUR RESPONSE
We have returned to seeing patients face-to-face, with some measures in place to protect the safety of our patients and staff. All our staff are fully vaccinated, and we will continue to conduct Telehealth video or telephone consultations when advisable. If you are a new patient, we will require a referral from your GP prior to making your appointment.
We will only be able to offer a Telehealth appointment if:
- You have had a confirmed case, or are a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the last 14 days
- You have been asked to self-isolate, or awaiting COVID-19 PCR results
- You have travelled overseas within the last 14 days
- You have any symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath
Please contact our staff as soon as possible if you are feeling unwell in any way. To maintain social distancing of 1.5m in our waiting room, could you please attend your appointments alone where possible. Our staff will be happy to contact your support person on conclusion of your appointment. A surgical face masks must be worn at all times, and on entering the practice, we will ask you to check in with the NSW Service QR code and sanitise your hands with the sanitiser provided.
We will endeavour to continue to provide the highest standard of professional care and service, whilst keeping our patients, their families and our staff safe during this time. We will continue to review these measures and provide updates to any changes in our service.
Thank you for your understanding as we navigate these challenging times together.
