Important Covid-19 Update
This page was last updated on 6/6/2022 at 9pm AEST
Kirrawee Family Medical Practice is changing the way we operate as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. We are constantly reviewing our processes in line with advice from NSW Health. Please remain patient with us as we all navigate this rapidly changing environment.
Kirrawee Family Medical Practice will be a site for the national vaccination program for Covid-19 vaccinations. Please see our Covid-19 vaccination page for details.
Our main focus is to continue to provide a safe environment for our patients, doctors and staff.
As restrictions in NSW ease, KFMP is welcoming you back inside for face to face visits! If you prefer to wait for your appointment outside, or in your car, please let reception know when you arrive, so the team knows where to find you.
It continues to be a condition of entry that all patients, carers and visitors must wear a mask.
With the changing guidelines and protocols around the covid pandemic, we want to work with you to keep you safe, while your receive quality health care.
Telehealth
Telehealth is available at KFMP. All fees and rebates are outlined on our website.
We are consulting using Telehealth – either by phone call, or video call. If you are having a video call, you will be sent a link which you can activate with your phone, IPad, Tablet or computer (if it has a camera and microphone).
We recognise that not all General Practice Services can be done via Telehealth. Sometimes after the doctor has consulted with you by phone, you may then be asked to come in to the clinic at a later time to diagnose and manage your illness more appropriately.
Face to face consultations
Important changes to patients attending the clinic for face to face consultations.
Patients are welcome into the inside waiting room, if you prefer to wait outside or in your car, please let reception know when you check in.
Once in the practice, please use the provided hand sanitiser and continue to wear your face mask.
Access to the practice is via the glass sliding door from the carpark.
We are working hard to keep the practice virus free. We have put in place appropriate measures to ensure that it remains this way. We clean the reception area, waiting room and other high contact areas regularly with accredited cleaning agents.
Patients with COVID or cold/flu symptoms:
Patients with cold and flu symptoms, fevers or other respiratory symptoms can now be seen again at KFMP. We ask you to advise reception at the time of booking if you have any cold or flu symptoms, as some of our doctors may be unable to see you due to their own pre-existing conditions.
Calling the practice for appointments
Please let us know if you have any cold or flu symptoms, so we can ensure you are booked with the appropriate clinician.
How can I help stop the spread of the disease?
Washing your hands often and properly is the best way to stop yourself from catching COVID-19. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice). Clean your hands often, particularly before you eat and after you go to the toilet. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
You should also try not to touch your face. This can be harder than it sounds, because we naturally touch our faces often! See if you can pay attention to how often you put your hands on your face, and then gradually try to do it less.
You should try to stand 1.5 metres away from anyone, to stop any droplets getting into your system. How far is 1.5 metres? It’s about the length of a shopping trolley, a giant tortoise or the height of Kylie Minogue. Imagine keeping one of these things between you and anyone else.
Don’t leave the house unless absolutely necessary.
Work from home if possible.
Limit all social gatherings, if possible.
There is good advice on the NSW Health website:
https://preview.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/social-distancing
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Documents/social-distancing.pdf
Remember – anyone can have the disease – even those with NO symptoms.
Where else can I go for advice?
Coronavirus Hotline - The hotline for general advice on Coronavirus is 1800 080 080.
If you would like to speak to a Registered Nurse regarding possible symptoms please call the Health direct helpline on 1800 022 222, available 24 hours a day.
For advice on any upcoming travel please check the Australian Government’s Smart Traveller website.
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
Getting tested for Coronavirus
NSW Health recommends that anyone with respiratory symptoms or unexplained fever should be tested for COVID-19.
Even if you have been vaccinated and have symptoms you need to have a covid test.
This is especially important for:
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anyone who lives or works in a high risk setting, including healthcare facilities, aged care and other residential facilities, schools, prisons, and other closed settings
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
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people who are close contacts of a confirmed case or who have returned from overseas in the last 14 days
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anyone admitted to hospital
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people who reside in areas for increased testing and surveillance (Note: these areas are updated weekly).
Please make sure any health care or aged care workers or residents are noted on the laboratory request form so their test can be prioritised.
People without symptoms should not be tested, unless a requirement for their ongoing health care.
In order to stay within these guidelines, we are unable to provide a COVID-19 test unless you fit these criteria. This ensures that the currently inundated pathology and screening centres will be able to keep up with demands for testing. We will update this information as the criteria change.
For more information on COVID-19
NSW Health
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/protect-yourself.aspx
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus-update.aspx
Department of Health
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