Foster and Toora Medical Centres
IT has been another week of consolidation of some of the changes we have previously talked about. The Respiratory Clinic-end is almost finished and we should be able to work from there by the end of the week.
The flu immunisation rollout has hit a snag with supplies. Last week we didn’t get any and instead an email explaining that due to unprecedented demand, that we would only get a fraction of what we asked for. They (the National Supplier) assure us that there will be enough for everyone eventually. We are taking names and phone numbers at the Medical Centre and again urge patience, especially with our staff who are fielding multiple flu requests every day. (We are setting up a system whereby those with mobile phones will get a text message to let them know when and where their flu shot will be given, to save the 400 phone calls which happened last time a clinic was run!).
We again urge those of you with chronic diseases and conditions to continue to get regular checkups. Continue to get your blood tests done, your xrays taken and your appointments made as what is becoming obvious is that this COVID-time is not going away any time soon. None of us have the luxury of ignoring our health indefinitely waiting for it to go away….
South Gippsland Hospital
AS there a real sense of optimism about the flattening of the curve, it is worth noting that the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have twice weekly briefing sessions with all the health service CEOs from around the state, and issue daily bulletins to both CEOs and the respective Boards. This information sharing and the coordinated approach to keeping health services up to date is crucial to support our local and Gippsland sub regional approach to tackling the pandemic.
In a recent meeting the DHHS praised community members and thanked Health Services for all their efforts in promoting and abiding by the key physical distancing strategies. Whilst they conveyed this acknowledgment, they underlined that we are not out of the woods just yet. CEOs were reminded of jurisdictions overseas which had relaxed their restrictions too early, and are still suffering loss of lives today. They were asked to keep planning for the worst and to continue the good work, because it seems as though the health system may not be overrun as first thought. That said, we must not relax our efforts at all. The South Gippsland Hospital takes this opportunity to thank readers for doing their bit to protect themselves and the broader community, which in turn helps us as a health service and broader system.
Once again we note that our Urgent Care Centre is not a Coronavirus(COVID-19) Assessment Clinic. If you suspect you may have COVID-19, please call the hotline on 1800 675 398. If directed to access an assessment clinic please note that the Foster Medical Centre (FMC) has a testing station (Monday to Friday), as does the Bass Coast Health (open 10am – 6pm 7 days, 235 Graham St, Wonthaggi). Patients who have symptoms compatible with COVID-19 will need to call either clinic first to arrange a time to be screened: FMC 5682 2088 or Bass Coast Health 5671 3333. Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only, and for up to date information go to: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Prom Country Aged Care
PROM Country Aged Care continues to have no cases in the facility or amongst our staff or doctors. We continue to test all staff and contractors’ temperatures on entry to the facility. Aged Care has made the decision to extend restricted movements until at least May 11 2020, which aligns with the extended State of Emergency dates issued by the Victorian Government. We will continue to review the situation daily as more information becomes available.
Under new legislation introduced in Victoria, all residents, staff, contractors, and visitors entering an aged care facility in Victoria must have had a 2020 flu vaccination by 1 May 2020 and be able to provide evidence of that vaccination to enter. All residents, staff and contractors will have been vaccinated by that date.
In preparation of easing of restrictions later in the year we ask that anyone who is likely to visit the facility in the future please arrange to have a vaccination over the coming months and obtain evidence of such, as you will be asked prior to visiting, once we ease restrictions.
Our temporary Covid-19 visitor room has been delayed slightly with material arrival and contractors now expected to commence on Monday April 20. Build time is approximately 2 – 3 weeks.
Thank-you all for your ongoing understanding and help in making Prom Country House as safe as it can be.
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