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Thursday 5 March 2020
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Written by Rod
Last updated: March 31, 2020
Please note this post will only be updated when new information becomes available.
Bendigo Community Health Services has detected no cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
We have a plan in place should a case present to our medical clinics in line with the expectations of all health organisations.
If you have any type of appointment coming up at Bendigo Community Health Services and have returned from overseas recently or feel unwell, have a cough or fever or sore throat or shortness of breath or unsure about your health status, please call our Client Services staff on 5406 1200 before attending any of our sites. We appreciate your support in this regard.
A screening station has been set up outside our Eaglehawk medical pratice as a Coronavirus precaution. Please stop at the table and speak to the nurse before entering the building even if you are feeling well.
We have completed risk assessments and action plans for all our services and programs. The Coronavirus threat means we do need to change the way we deliver some services. All appointments where face-to-face consultation is essential will be now done from our Eaglehawk site at 3 Seymoure Street. All other appointments where a face-to-face consultation isn't necessary will be done by TeleHealth or VideoHealth. Don't worry, this is as easy as answering your phone or clicking on an email link we send you. Please note some calls may show as 'private number' because our staff are working from home or using a new system but it's safe to answer these. Our Central site and Kangaroo Flat sites will be closed to the general public until further notice. A reduced pharmacotherapy service is operating from our Kangaroo Flat site. To see a full list of changes for all our services, programs and sites please click here
We have taken some calls from people asking if it's safe to come to an appointment. We can assure you we are following the strictest hygiene procedures and have taken every precaution to reduce the Coronavirus threat for our staff and clients.
If you have any questions or concerns about an upcoming appointment, please call our Client Services staff on 5406 1200.
Flu shots information: We are working on a plan to safely deliver flu shots through our Workplace Health nurses and our GPs. We will release details on how you can access a flu shot very soon. Please bear with us while we develop a delivery model that ensures the safety of clients and our staff during this Coronavirus threat. Thank you.
Please note due to the Coronavirus threat our Medical Practice will not be taking on new patients at this time. We apologise for the inconvenience.
Related information: Coronavirus threat means planning and precautions for BCHS. Read more click here
Information for refugee communities: To download PDF Coronavirus information sheets and see videos in language click here
Coronavirus testing
There is now evidence of community transmission in Victoria.
The Victorian Government is recommending that people who have travelled overseas recently or been in close contact with travellers and have become unwell seek medical advice and be tested for coronavirus.
The Australian health department states you do not need to be tested for Coronavirus if you have:
- not returned from overseas in the past 14 days or been in contact with someone who has.
- not been in contact with someone with a confirmed case of Coronavirus.
- do not have flu-like symptoms.
If you suspect you may have Coronavirus the best thing to do is call the dedicated hotline 1800 675 398. Do not use 000 as this is for emergencies only.
Bendigo Health has now opened a Coronavirus screening clinic in the old hospital emergency department in Stewart Street. The clinic is open from 9.30am to 6pm.
Food relief for the vulnerable
The Victorian government has released information on how vulnerable Victorians self isolating due to Coronavirus can get access to emergency relief packages. The program will support people who have little or no food and no network of family and friends to support them. Each eligible household will receive a two-week supply of essential goods. To find out more please use this link: https://bit.ly/ReliefPackages
Stay informed
This is a rapidly changing situation so to keep up-to-date with the very latest on Coronavirus we recommend you use this site: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services has released a self-assessment tool which allows you to see the risk Coronavirus poses to you with clear directions to follow. You can access the tool here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-self-assessment
If you are travelling or intend to travel the best place for information is the Smart Traveller website: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
Stay vigilant - 10 ways to reduce your risk of Coronavirus:
- Wash hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds. Dry with paper towel or hand dryer.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.
- Isolate yourself at home if you feel sick. If you take medication ensure you have adequate supplies.
- Phone your GP first if you need medical attention. They will tell you what to do.
- Continue healthy habits: exercise, drink water, get plenty of sleep, and now is the time to quit smoking. Call the Quitline 137 848.
- Don't wear a face mask if you are well.
- Buy an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with over 60 per cent alcohol.
- Get the flu shot (available April).
- Shaking hands is optional!
Physical (social) distancing
Physical distancing involves changing your social habits to reduce the risk of transmission of Coronavirus.
You could practice physical distancing going to and from work, including on public transport, and at work or social gatherings. For example, things you can do include:
- keeping a full arm-span (about 1.5 metres) between yourself and other people where possible
- avoiding crowds and mass gatherings where it is difficult to keep the appropriate distance away from others
- avoiding small gatherings in enclosed spaces, for example non-essential business meetings
- avoiding shaking hands, hugging, or kissing other people
- avoiding visiting vulnerable people, such as those in aged care facilities or hospitals, or people with compromised immune systems due to illness or medical treatment.
Source: Department of Health and Human Services
Related information
Bendigo Coronavirus threat: All the BCHS service delivery changes and site closures
Help Your Neighbour campaign reminds us we're all in this together
Bendigo Coronavirus translated information sheets and videos in Karen, Dari and Dinka
Bendigo Coronavirus threat: A message from our CEO
www.bchs.com.au I #BCHS #thereforyou
