This is an important patient broadcast in regard to Covid-19/Corona Virus from Silky Oaks Medical Practice. This message is for all patients of Silky Oaks Medical Practice from the Practice Director, Matthew Mercer and Clinical Lead Dr Paul Mercer.
Covid-19 Response
We are here to help you. We will not turn you away if you are concerned you have Covid-19, but please follow the instructions of signs, messages and from reception and nursing staff at the
practice. This is for your safety and everyone else.
How to determine if you may have Covid-19? Please beware that the is already an influenza A/Rhinovirus and para influenza virus outbreak in Brisbane. If you are feeling unwell it is more
likely you have contracted one of these. The following diagram to self-assess
your likely condition:
If you are concerned about covid-19 please call the practice or book a telehealth-covid appointment through Health Engine with your usual GP. They will discuss your symptoms and determine
whether you may have it or will need testing. If you are at low risk and need clearance for work, we may email/fax a referral form for you to get tested at a local pathology provider. If the doctor suspects you may have Covid-19, they will direct you to the nearest fever clinic.
Introduction of Telehealth Consults
Medicare is allowing GPs to consult patients via telehealth consistent with Covid-19 risk factors or patients at most risk, such as anyone over 70 years, Aboriginal or Torres Strait islanders over 50
years, anyone with a chronic health condition or is immunocompromised. Parents of infants and pregnant women. These consults will be Bulk Billed regardless of your concession status or the time of day booked.
We are already equipped to provide Telehealth consults at the practice and will start offering this service from today along with usual in practice consults. We will explore how patients that are not in these categories can access their normal GP via telehealth if they wish. If you don't already have, please consider downloading WhatsApp (surgery number is 0410 571 471) or Skype on to your phone or tablet device. As for some telehealth consults your doctor will need to see you.
Increased infection controls
Importantly we have increased our infection controls in the practice. This has included increase rotation of cleaning schedules by admin and nurses throughout the day. Added we have replaced the water cooler with water bottles and will not require you to sign for Medicare Vouchers to reduce points of high contact traffic.
For patients that are suspected of Covid-19 we have been isolating these patients to car-park consults during limited times in the day to reduce risk to others and staff. We are focused on your wellbeing and health during this time and will always approach you with compassion and will help you.
We are discussing with health authorities the possibility of having a fever clinic for Covid-19 suspected
patients which would be in a separate location to the practice onsite. If you are asked by your GP to attend this clinic, please understand that it is equipped to test and address your needs better than the practice currently is.
Flu Vaccines
Government vaccines will arrive in April we are starting to book clinics for the season. Private stock is will
arrive shortly, we will send out an SMS to all patients when they are available. We will be charging $16.50 for however if you are one of the following you will have access to the government-funded stock:
all children from 6 months to less than 5 years of age (State-funded)
pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy (influenza and whooping
cough vaccination can be given at the same time OR at different times
during pregnancy). More information about whooping cough and influenza
vaccination for pregnant women is availableall Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
individuals aged 6 months to under 65 years with medical conditions which increase the risk of influenza disease complications (for a full list go to NCIRS Influenza Vaccines Fact Sheet).
adults aged 65 years and over
It is highly recommended we all get the flu vaccine. In our context we do not want to have influenza and covid-19 at the same time or even consecutively as this will challenge our immune response. Anyone with a chronic health issue or that is over 65 needs to seriously consider the consequence of not having a flu vaccine this year. The flu vaccine does not stop Covid-19 but it is your best shot to reduce
your risk of contracting both which will put your health in severely compromised position.
In the coming months, we will be adaptive and responsive to the covid-19 outbreak and will start to meet your needs in different ways. Whether this is an increase in home visits for vulnerable patients, motor vehicle consults, increase in our telehealth capability or even medication deliveries. We are exploring ways to allow and even increase your access to our services whilst securing your wellbeing.
Silky Oaks Medical Team