Dear patients and members of the local community,
The Family Doctors Plus team have been busily working behind the scenes to prepare for an outbreak of Coronavirus in Brisbane. We have activated our pandemic planning, regularly update our staff with the latest guidelines and have some personal protective equipment in stock. We have been petitioning the government for more up to date information for the community, Medicare rebates for telephone consultations and more personal protective equipment since the start of February. We thank you for your support and patience while we continue to do this and update our procedures daily to keep up with this changing crisis.
What to do if you suspect you may have or have been exposed to coronavirus? We request that if you have ANY SYMPTOM (eg. fever, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, diarrhoea) or have TRAVELLED outside Australia in the last 14 days or had CLOSE CONTACT with someone who has or may have coronavirus in the last 14 days you please call us on ph 33578192. In an emergency please call 000. Our nurses will discuss your situation with you and make a telephone appointment for you to speak with your usual doctor. Please be patient as they ask questions to best evaluate your risk of exposure as per Qld health guidelines. An honest and detailed answer allows us to best help you in accordance to best practice. If necessary, our staff can arrange for you to be tested at one of the local pathology labs and discuss your treatment options with you.
Do you have a medical issue but don’t want to come in to the clinic? Please ring us on ph 33578192 to arrange a telephone consultation with your usual doctor. Telephone consultations may not be appropriate in some circumstances. Our receptionists can discuss the fee for this service. At this moment there are no Medicare rebates for telephone consultations. We have been petitioning the government for a change in this and encourage you to contact the Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt if you have any issues regarding the lack of Medicare rebate for telephone consultations.
What happens if you are a patient presenting to the clinic? Please be patient as we triage all our patients in an effort to isolate those who may be at risk of coronavirus. Rest assured everyone will be cared for and treated as per the latest medical guidelines. The only difference is that at-risk patients will be isolated away from our waiting room. We do encourage everyone who thinks may be at risk of coronavirus to call us first.
What can you do to reduce your risk of becoming infected with coronavirus (and other viruses):
- Careful and frequent hand washing (hand sanitisers are ok if you are out and about)
- Avoid touching your face
- Follow cough etiquette (either cough into a tissue and dispose of it or into your elbow). Wash your hands.
- Get plenty of sleep and eat a healthy diet
- Call your doctor if unwell or concerns. Our phone number is 33578192.
- Call 000 in an emergency
- For further information: Qld health website
Thank you,
The team from Family Doctors Plus