Covid-19 Update

**Mask wearing changes**
A mask is required on entry and when moving through the medical centre, but can be removed when you are seated. Please maintain social distancing and if this is not possible, it is safer to keep your mask on. If you do not wish to wear one (whether through choice or an exemption) please remain outside, ring us to let us know you are here and your consultation will be by phone.

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

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

Instead, please ring from outside so we know you’re here and your doctor will conduct your consultation by phone. If this is not appropriate in your circumstances, you MAY be directed to attend a respiratory clinic. The GP will chat regarding why

*If your consultation is by phone, an $80 out of pocket fee applies if you have not seen a GP in our practice in the previous 12 months*

It is important you don’t enter and put staff or other patients at risk by not being truthful about symptoms you have, no matter how minor

Mask wearing:
Anyone coming in to the Medical centre without 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.

Covid-19 Vaccinations
ASTRAZENECA (AZ)
Is the preferred vaccine for those 60 years and over
It is currently not recommended for those under 40
If you had AZ dose 1, you must have AZ for dose 2 to complete your immunity
If you had a severe reaction you may be eligible for a Pfizer vaccine

PFIZER
Is the preferred vaccine for those between 12 and 59
Also if had a severe reaction to AZ dose 1 or a contraindication to AZ
Depending on stock levels you may go on a waitlist and we will call you when ready.
If you can come at short notice please let Reception know as if someone fails to attend we may call you quicker.

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 f2f appointment, please ring us 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.