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Thursday 5 March 2020
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Written by Rod
Last updated: July 4, 2020
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.
Our Women's Health Clinic, Men's Health Clinic and Sexual Health Clinic are accepting new patients. Call 5406 1200 to book an appointment.
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.
The latest Coronavirus figures
Confirmed cases in Victoria - July 3: 2368.
Increase on the day before: 66.
People in hospital: 23 (6 in intensive care).
Deaths: 20. (Our thoughts are with their families and friends).
People who have recovered: 1904 (an increase of 38 on yesterday).
Visiting a BCHS site and our service changes
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 our sites. We appreciate your support.
A screening station has been set up at the reception desk of our Eaglehawk medical practice as a Coronavirus precaution. Please stop at the reception desk on arriving at the site.
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. We've made a step-by-step guide to help you with a Telehealth appointment: https://bit.ly/TelehealthBCHS. 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 and Kangaroo Flat sites will be closed until further notice. A reduced pharmacotherapy service is operating from our Kangaroo Flat site during business hours and Fork In The Road community hub at 165-171 Hargreaves Street from 7pm Tuesday to Saturday.
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 us on 5406 1200.
Flu shots: We are working on a plan to safely deliver flu shots through our Workplace Health nurses and our GPs. For the very latest on our flu vaccine program please click here
Related information: Coronavirus threat means changes to how we deliver our services and site closures. Read more click here
Coronavirus information for refugees in language: To download PDF Coronavirus information sheets and watch videos in Karen, Dari and Dinka language click here
Coronavirus testing
There is now evidence of community transmission in Victoria.
The Victorian Government has widened the test criteria to better track the spread of the virus and gain valuable information to inform the timing of any possible easing of restrictions when the present State of Emergency ends on June 21. The government has tested more than 500,000 Victorians since January 1, 2020.
Screening eligibility has been widened. To see the latest developments click here or use the self assessment tool via the link in the information below.
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 suspect you may have Coronavirus the best thing to do is call the dedicated hotline 1800 675 398 or attend one of the testing clinics below.
Do not use 000 as this is for emergencies only.
Where to get tested in Bendigo:
Bendigo Health - for people without symptoms: Coronavirus screening clinic in the old hospital emergency department in Stewart Street. The clinic is open from 9.30am to 6pm.
Bendigo Respiratory Clinic - for people with symptoms: 126 Spring Gully Road, Spring Gully. Hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm – BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Online: https://app.respiratoryclinic.gov.au/register/ Phone: 1800 573 196.
Where to get tested in Heathcote:
Heathcote Health: Symptomatic Coronavirus screening clinic on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2pm to 3pm. This is a drive through service at the rear of the Social Support Group building, entry via Hay Street (off Hospital Street). The service is bulk-billed but please bring your Medicare number. There is no need to book.
Stay informed with 'reliable' information
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
If you are travelling or intend to travel the best place for information is the Smart Traveller website: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
COVIDSafe app
The Federal Government has released a #COVIDSafe app to slow the spread of COVID-19. The app will allow any Coronavirus outbreaks to be quickly found and treated so governments can ease restrictions while still keeping Australians safe. Downloading the app is something you can do to protect you, your family and friends, and save the lives of other Australians. It's totallly your decision whether to use the app or not. Learn more: www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covidsafe-app
Bendigo COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Helpline
The City of Greater Bendigo has launched a 'single point of contact' for residents to get access to local information about emergency housing, food relief, financial assistance, business information, counselling and mental health support. Call the hotline between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday on (03) 5434 6237 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Should I wear a face mask?
The advice from health chiefs is that it's not necessary for you to wear a face mask for protection against COVID-19.
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
For the latest information on where to get food relief in the City of Greater Bendigo click here
How to access food in Bendigo during isolation
The City of Greater Bendigo has produced this great little guide on how you can access food during this time of isolation. To see the guide
pdf
click here
(263 KB)
Home delivery of your prescription medications
Australia Post is now offering pharmacies a free home delivery service for your prescription medications. Learn more about this service: https://auspost.com.au/pharmacy-home-deliveries
Working For Victoria Fund
Under the Working for Victoria Fund, displaced workers will be eligible to apply for different types of work. This presents opportunities for paid work and an opportunity to contribute to Victoria’s ability to manage this event and support the community. Learn more: https://www.vic.gov.au/workingforvictoria
Family violence support
The Centre For Non Violence is working hard to protect women, children and families during these times of isolation. The Centre has created an excellent 'We are here, for you' question and answer resource to help and support people feeling vulnerable. To access the resource click here
Supporting vulnerable patients with new eSafety resources
The eSafety commissioner has developed resources to support the online safety of vulnerable groups during a period when more people are home and online. Resources have been specifically developed for and can be shared with your patients who are:
- parents and carers
- educators
- seniors
- women experiencing domestic violence.
Information for carers
It is important that carers feel supported and confident in continuing to provide care during this time. Carers should not be discouraged from going into the homes of those they care for at this time, but may need to consider possible changes to their routines.
Rental assistance for you
If you are renting at the moment and need support the State Government has introduced a new assistance program. To find out more click here
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.
If you are outside:
- Keep a full arms length (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.
The Victoria Police will be actively overseeing people adhere to Stage 3 restrictions with fines in place for those who do not follow the rules. Officers can issue on-the-spot fines of up to $1652 for individuals and up to $9913 for businesses found to not be following stay at home or social distancing rules.
Explaining Coronavirus, social distancing and washing hands to children
No one does this better than The Wiggles who have created a brilliant video explaining to children why they can't visit grandparents, why they need to follow social distancing and wash their hands to keep safe. To watch the video click here
Make Someone's Day with a kind gesture
If you're looking for things to keep children occupied the City of Greater Bendigo has a great program called Make Someone's Day which involves people writing a letter or doing a drawing for older members of our community who are experiencing loneliness. What a great idea. To print out a Make Someone's Day template to do a letter or drawing
pdf
click here
(319 KB)
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
