CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

We are at the beginning of an extraordinary time where one new viral infection has become every person’s biggest health risk. None of us has seen such an infection present the dangerous threat to us all that COVID-19 does today.

The doctors, nurses and staff of the Keperra and Blackwood practices are committed to providing care for our community throughout this challenging time. But we do need to protect ourselves from catching the infections we mean to diagnose and treat. So it does mean changes in the way we will operate the practices.

To succeed in providing a reliable and high quality medical service throughout the COVID pandemic, our first priority is and must remain, looking after the health and safety of all our staff. We in turn can then provide very good medical care for you.

For the safety of our staff and patients we will exercise strict control over who comes into the practice reception and waiting areas. We have temporarily disabled the on-line bookings function. We ask that everyone phone before coming to the practice.

Many health matters can be satisfactorily handled by Telehealth. If you would prefer this, ask reception when you book your appointment. There will be a fee for a Telehealth assessment and management. Certain eligible patients will be bulk billed if they meet the strict Medicare criteria. Others will be charged a fee of between $ 50.00 and $ 60.00. At this time there is no Medicare rebate available. Telehealth consultations can be by phone or in certain instances by video using a secure platform.

To ensure the safety of all, every patient will be screened before they enter the practice. Each patient with symptoms of infection will be required to stay outside the practice until assessed by a doctor by phone. Some patients with infective symptoms will be seen in their car or outside of the practice. At the doctor’s absolute discretion some may be seen in the practice.

Patients with infective respiratory symptoms will be seen for that problem only. Other health concerns will be managed at another visit to limit the time of contact with our doctors and nurses so as to help protect the health and safety of our staff and other patients.

Anyone with infective symptoms meeting the testing criteria for COVID will have a Telehealth consultation with their doctor, with testing then arranged. COVID testing is not done at the practice.

For the continued good health and safety of our staff and patients, we are firmly limiting the number of people allowed in the waiting room at any one time. We ask that family members who are not being seen as patients stay outside of the practice and not enter the waiting room.

Patients will be seen in the consulting rooms and the treatment room, one at a time, except in the case of parents with children. We ask everyone respect the practice’s decision in this regard and not attempt to bring family members into the waiting area.

We have been disappointed, indeed angered, to find that some people have lied to be seen, endangering the safety of our staff and other patients. We find this intolerable. By working with us instead, we can continue to provide appropriate and safe care for everyone.

The entire practice teams of Keperra Family Practice and Medicine on Blackwood wish each of our patients good health throughout the months ahead. While everyone has a part to play in getting through the pandemic, be it helping family or neighbours or indeed yourself by resting well, staying fit and eating healthily, we will be here to provide you and our community with the best medical care and support we can.