Staying Healthy in the Current COVID 19 Pandemic
Do not put caring for your Health on Hold!
Yes, the numbers of locally acquired coronavirus are increasing rapidly in Melbourne, but this should not stop you from seeking advice and care from your GP.
The Australian Government is continually urging the public to not put off seeing their GP. It is essential to continue to attend regular health care appointments, such as routine check-ups for chronic conditions, mental health reviews and preventative health appointments such as screening and immunisation. This includes being immunised for the flu if you have not yet done so. Particularly in the face of COVID-19, optimising the treatment of chronic pre-existing conditions is of paramount importance and cannot afford to be neglected.
How we are keeping our clinic safe for you
Forest Hill Family Clinic continues to adapt its practice and protocols in response to the current pandemic to minimise the risk to patients and staff.
All our patients continue to be screened for symptoms and risk factors at the time of making appointments (by phone and online) and again before entering the building. Those meeting the eligibility criteria for COVID-19 testing are referred directly to a testing centre convenient to the patient.
Telehealth and Phone Consultations
We are providing phone consultation or video consultation. The services provided include:
Face to Face Appointments
If patients are displaying any symptoms consistent with COVID-19, you may be asked to leave the clinic and wait in your car. This is to ensure the safety of our staff, doctors, and vulnerable patients.
As well as social distancing measures and strict sanitation and protection, we are minimising the number of people in the clinic at any one time by requesting that patients arrive and call from the carpark.
If you are unsure about whether you should be making an appointment with your doctor, call the clinic and discuss these concerns with our reception staff.
Being a legitimate reason to leave your home, and where every effort has been made to provide a safe environment, visiting your doctor when needed, should not be avoided.