Covid-19 Update

**Masks required **
We are here to provide medical care, but Covid has meant a change to our approach.

From March 4th:
Mask Mandates may have ended but our private practice condition of entry remains the same.
All those 12 and over who enter must be wearing a mask over nose and mouth. This will help protect staff and other patients when\if a covid positive patient comes in. It will help us avoid being shut down whilst staff are directed to quarantine which then affects many people seeking health care.

If you arrive without a mask – ring from outside and we will bring you one. $1 each (card accepted).

If you cannot or do not wish to wear one - ring from outside and your consultation will be conducted by Telehealth. If you are not eligible for Telehealth, eg no visit in previous 12 months, the fee may be $80 with no rebate. If a physical examination is required you may be sent to a respiratory clinic for examination.

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

• 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)

In this case, ring from home and change your appointment to Telehealth so your doctor can let you know what to do. It is important you are truthful about symptoms (no matter how minor and regardless if you think it’s sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma or are not contagious). Do not put staff or other patients at risk and do not wait and inform the GP you have been unwell. We take this very seriously.

Mask wearing:
Anyone refusing to wear a mask will be asked to leave. 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 we consider intimidating, bullying or upseƫng to our staff - security or Police will be called and you will be terminated from both our practices.

Symptoms to look out for:

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

If you feel any of these, before attending please ring and change your appointment to Telehealth so your doctor can let you know what to do.

Telehealth appointment requirements:

• We have the option of phone or video.
• The patient must be present if the Telehealth call is about them. If they are not, the fee is $80 no
  rebate payable after the call
• The call needs to be medically necessary to be bulk-billed to Medicare

When is Telehealth suitable?
If you suspect you may be unwell or for simple appointment reasons. More complex issues like medicals, Insurance, WorkCover or paperwork type services should be booked through Reception. Some appointments need particular appointments 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 atiended 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 or at home with Covid.

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 Pfizer only for adults and paediatrics
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