Covid-19 Update

**Mask wearing**
This is our private practice condition of entry: We require a mask to be worn over nose and mouth on entry and whilst in the Medical Centre. We cannot socially distance with multiple people in the practice and in addition there is a current Covid case on the coast.

If you arrive without one – ring from outside. Masks are $1 (card accepted).

If you cannot or do not wish to wear one - ring from outside and your consultation will be conducted by Telehealth.

If criteria for Telehealth is not met (no visit in previous 12 months) the fee may be $80 with no rebate. If Telehealth is not appropriate in your situation, you may be sent to a respiratory clinic for examination.

Do not enter the medical centre if you, or someone with you, meet the following criteria:

• Have had a recent negative covid test
• Are not wearing masks
• Have any type of respiratory or gastro symptom, no matter how minor (even if you think it relates to asthma or an allergy etc)

It is important you are truthful about symptoms (no matter how minor) so you do not put staff or other patients at risk. We take this very seriously.

Mask wearing:
Anyone refusing to wear a mask will be asked to leave. Our private business ‘condition of entry’ is one must be worn over nose and mouth on the premises. A decision to not wear a mask does not over-ride our obligation to provide a safe workplace and environment for staff and other patients. If we see any behaviour considered to be intimidating, bullying or upsetting to our staff, security or Police will be called and you will be terminated from both our practices.

Gastro or respiratory symptoms to look out for:

• Temperature, Sore or blocked ears, Sore throat, Sniffle, Cough
• A recent negative Covid test
• Gastro (Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea)

If you feel any of these before a booked appointment please ring and change your appointment to Telehealth

Telehealth appointment requirements:

We have the option of phone or video.

• HotDoc send a video link and instructions so you and the Doctor can click a button and open the video waiting room if necessary
• To avoid an $80 or more fee with no rebate the patient must always be present if the Telehealth call is about them.
• The call needs to be medically necessary to be bulk-billed to Medicare

Telehealth is suitable for simple appointment reasons, more complex issues like medicals, insurance or WorkCover services should be booked through Reception as some appointments need a double appointment or treatment room time. Check with Reception if you are unsure as the practice reserves the right to invoice for lost GP time you if you book inappropriately or we find you have not attended in the previous 12 months etc. The face to face requirement is waived if the practice or patient is in a Commonwealth declared Covid hotspot.

Face to face visits:
Please read our door signs before entering as entry conditions often changes.
We are here to help you but patients deliberately attending when unwell is taken very seriously as it puts patients and staff at risk of infection which means a COVID test, time off work and possibly masses of patients being rescheduled.

Covid-19 Vaccinations
Our practice is offering Vaxzevria (previously known as AstraZenica) and Pfizer
A consent form needs to be completed before the vaccine and you will need to wait in the practice for 15 minutes after your vaccine