Covid-19 Update

Mask required on entry as per Government directives and our practice ‘condition of entry’.  Please note even with an exemption we are not obligated to see you so please avoid disappointment and book a Telehealth instead.   Your GP can let you know how to proceed. Thank you for your understanding.

There has been a recent announcement 2nd dose of AstraZeneca can be given earlier.  Please note, due to current bookings we are unable to move appointments earlier.  Please do not ring Reception to ask.    Keep an eye on the website and if this changes we will update here.

Covid-19 Vaccinations
ASTRAZENECA (AZ)
Is the preferred vaccine for those 60 years and over
If you had AZ dose 1, you must have AZ for dose 2 unless you had a severe reaction
It is currently not recommended for those under 40
BUT if you are between 18 and 60 and you want it you can have it.
(The only other option for this age group is to wait and see if Pfizer becomes available for all)

PFIZER
Is the preferred vaccine for those between 40 and 59 or if you had a severe reaction to AZ dose 1
Between 16 and 39 certain criteria must be met, in summary:
Pregnant or planning to be, Healthcare worker, Aged or Disability worker or resident, meat worker, High risk (defence, police, fire, emergency services)
To check eligibility and access the full list of criteria click here

*Please note we currently have a 40 page Pfizer waitlist.   We can only call patients as our allocated Pfizer stock arrives.   If you are on the waiting list, you will receive your call but patience is required.

Feeling unwell on the day of your appointment?
If you, or someone with you has the following symptoms you must not enter our practice:

• Temperature, Sore or blocked ears, Sore throat, Sniffle, Cough
• A recent negative Covid test
• Gastro (Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea)
• Even if you think it’s asthma or a possible allergy

If you had a face to face appointment please ring and change it to Telehealth and stay home.
If you need a physical examination you may be directed to attend a respiratory clinic which is set up to see possibly unwell people. You can also book directly with them by phone or HotDoc.
(They limit numbers in the rooms, wear full protective gear and do extensive cleaning in between).
If unsure, ring before leaving home so we can tell you what to do.

Telehealth criteria is a valid Medicare card and a face to face visit at our practice in the previous 12 months. If criteria has not been met there may be an $80 fee with no rebate, payable after the call.

Telehealth appointment’s
We have the option of phone and video. HotDoc will send you a video link and instructions so if necessary you and the Dr can click a button and open the video waiting room.
When the doctor calls, the patient must always be present (if not there is an $80 fee, no rebate)
The call needs to be medically necessary for the GP to be able to bulk-bill
Telehealth is suitable for simple appointment reasons, more complex issues like medical, insurance or WorkCover services should be booked through Reception as some appointments need a double appointment or treatment room time allocated. 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.

Anyone coming in to the Medical centre without a mask will be asked to leave.  Your 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.