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. There are numerous examples in highly developed countries such as England, Italy and France where there is 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 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. We will continue to conduct Telehealth or telephone consultations when advisable. If you are a new patient, we will require a referral from your GP prior to making your appointment.
In accordance with the NSW Department of Health recommendations, we ask that you only attend your appointment if you are well. 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. If you own a face mask, we ask that you wear it to your appointment, and one will be provided to you if not. On entering the practice, we will ask you to 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.
