MANAGEMENT OF THE CURRENT COVID SITUATION
​(AS AT 15 JUly 2021)

(FOR MORE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) INFORMATION, SEE OUR "NEWS" PAGE)

The current advice from NSW Health remains that all people with even mild symptoms of a respiratory tract infection (runny nose, cough, sore throat, loss of sense of smell or taste or unexplained fever) should still be tested for COVID-19.

SCMP remains focused on keeping our surgeries COVID-free, to enable us to continue clinical care of all our patients.  This means that a patient or visitor with any of the above symptoms, or that has travelled to Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong, or Shellharbour in the last 14 days, SHOULD NOT be seen INSIDE the premises.  All patients and visitors to the Bega and Tathra Surgeries are also required to wear a face mask (as per the NSW Heath Public Health Order, June 26th 2021) and sanitise their hands on entry.

If you require medical assistance, please:

• Phone either the Tathra Surgery 6494 1877 or Bega Surgery 6492 2555 prior to presenting at either Practice;
• If any cold or flu like symptoms are present, you will be requested to register with NSW Health www.health.nsw.gov.au or by phoning 1800 318 248 to arrange a COVID test at South East Regional Hospital.
• If no symptoms are present, however you have been to any known HOTSPOTS identified by NSW Health, including Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong, or Shellharbour in the last 14 days, you will be required upon arrival to wear a mask, hand sanitise and have your temperature checked.      

SCMP's COVID-19 VACCINATION PROGRAM
(as at 15 July 2021)

• SCMP continues to provide COVID Vaccinations at both our Bega and Tathra surgeries.  
• On 17th June 2021, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) reviewed their advice on the AstraZeneca vaccine.  They have recommended that Pfizer is the preferred vaccine for people aged under 60 years. This doesn’t change who is currently eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, but it means if you are under 60 years of age it is preferred you get the Pfizer vaccine.
• Please note that if you have had your first AstraZeneca vaccine dose without any serious side effects, you can receive your second dose as planned.  
• NEW - NSW Health have recently suggested bringing forward second doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from 12 weeks to 8 weeks.  SCMP understands that patients may be concerned about this, but while our area remains COVID-free, we encourage patients to wait as close as possible to the TGA recommended time of 12 weeks for your second dose of the vaccine.  
  
• ​NEW - If you still prefer to bring your 2nd dose forward, or if you need to travel to hotspot areas in the near future, then contact us to rearrange your appointment.  If in the future we find the virus in our local community, SCMP will look to schedule further clinics to actively bring forward the second doses of the vaccine.  

• We are still focused on vaccinating our most vulnerable patients first under the Phase 1b roll-out (see below), however, if you are aged 60 years and over, you can now CALL the SCMP Bega or Tathra Surgeries (please call after 2pm) and book into one of our COVID vaccination clinics.  At that time, you will be booked to attend clinics for your first dose of the COVID Vaccination, your annual Flu Vaccination (if applicable) and also your second dose of the COVID Vaccination. 
• To check your eligibility to receive the vaccine under Phase 1b, please visit www.health.gov.au and complete the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker.  Further information regarding the second (and subsequent) groups of patients to receive the vaccine, will be provided shortly.
• Phase 1b includes those patients:

1. over 70 years of age;
2. under 70 years of age with a chronic medical condition (as listed by the Australian Department of Health) or disability;
3. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 55 years of age; and
4. others (such as high risk of COVID-19 exposure workers).

• Vaccination clinics are currently scheduled 2 days every week at both our Bega and Tathra surgeries.
• A 15 minute post-injection observation period (30 minutes if you have a history of serious allergy) will be required.
• There will be 2 injections, 3 months apart.
• There needs to be a minimum gap of 7 days between the Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
• We strongly encourage EVERYONE who is eligible, to receive the vaccination as soon as it is available.
• Please be reassured the vaccine available to this group of patients, is safe and effective and will provide protection from COVID-19 for both us as individuals and to our whole community.
• We will continue to provide information here on our website, the SCMP Facebook page and at our surgeries.

SOUTH COAST BUSHFIRE EMERGENCIES

(FOR ALL BUSHFIRE-RELATED UPDATES, SEE OUR "NEWS" PAGE)

BUSHFIRE RECOVERY ACCESS PROGRAM
If you have been significantly impacted by recent bushfires, our psychologist Jocelyn France is available to support you. You may be eligible for Medicare benefits for up to 10 mental health treatment services. You do not need a GP referral or mental health treatment plan. Please get in touch with us at Bega Surgery on (02) 64 922 555 to book an appointment.

Please see the below three links to information from the Australian Government Department of Health for people affected by the bushfires:

1)  Mental Health Support for Australians affected by the 2019-20 bushfires
2)  Emergency health management - bushfire information and support
3)  Information for Australians who have been affected by bushfires
​

HOME

Sapphire Coast Medical Practice is a traditional Family Medical Practice with a varied demographic of all ages, socioeconomic status and cultures. 

We aim to provide complete family health care in a friendly, efficient, professional and confidential environment.  All Medical, Nursing and Reception Staff and trainees strive to maintain this through their work at all times.

This Practice does not discriminate against or disadvantage patients in any aspect of access, examination or treatment.  All staff provide all health care in a non-judgmental way.

All Doctors in our Practice strive to help our patients manage their own health problems with prevention, education, general advice and specific clinical care.  We respect confidentiality at all times and understand our patient's rights to accept our advice and treatment, or not act on this advice.  

Our Practice has been fully accredited by Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL).

Sapphire Coast Medical Practice adheres to the National Privacy Principles and a copy of our Privacy Policy Information is available at Reception.  It is also available for download here.

24 Church Street, BEGA

78 Bega Street, TATHRA

Sapphire Coast Medical Practice has two Practices linked by the Internet.  One is located at Church Street in Bega, the other is located at Bega Street, Tathra.  Our Doctors practise at both locations.

Our general hours of operation are from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (closed on NSW Public Holidays).

A translating service can be arranged for non-English speaking patients.

July 2021