MANAGEMENT OF THE CURRENT COVID SITUATION
(AS AT 24 JANUARY 2022)
(FOR MORE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) INFORMATION, SEE OUR "NEWS" PAGE)
SCMP DO NOT HAVE ANY COVID-19 BOOSTER VACCINATION APPOINTMENTS UNTIL LATE-FEBRUARY 2022 DUE TO DEMAND AND VACCINE AVAILABILITY. PLEASE BOOK AN APPOINTMENT AT THE SOUTH EAST REGIONAL HOSPITAL'S COVID VACCINATION CLINIC (see Vaccine Clinic Finder site here) IF YOU WANT YOUR BOOSTER SHOT BEFORE LATE-FEBRUARY 2022. PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE OF OUR HARD-WORKING STAFF IN THIS DIFFICULT TIME AND STAY SAFE EVERYONE!
Managing COVID-19 at home
Most people who test positive for COVID-19 will have mild symptoms and recover within one week without needing special treatment or hospitalisation.
If you are pregnant, unvaccinated or immunocompromised you are at risk of more significant symptoms - please call South East Regional Hospital on 6150 7032 to access their COVID-19 health service.
If you are over 65 years of age, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or have a chronic health condition - call Sapphire Coast Medical Practice on 6492 2555 and we can guide you through your illness with telehealth consultations.
Isolation Information
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 is linked to a known exposure site or COVID-positive case, 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, have their temperature checked, symptoms checked, vaccination status checked, and sanitise their hands on entry.
If you require medical assistance, please:
SCMP DO NOT HAVE ANY COVID-19 BOOSTER VACCINATION APPOINTMENTS UNTIL LATE-FEBRUARY 2022 DUE TO DEMAND AND VACCINE AVAILABILITY. PLEASE BOOK AN APPOINTMENT AT THE SOUTH EAST REGIONAL HOSPITAL'S COVID VACCINATION CLINIC (see Vaccine Clinic Finder site here) IF YOU WANT YOUR BOOSTER SHOT BEFORE LATE-FEBRUARY 2022. PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE OF OUR HARD-WORKING STAFF IN THIS DIFFICULT TIME AND STAY SAFE EVERYONE!
Managing COVID-19 at home
Most people who test positive for COVID-19 will have mild symptoms and recover within one week without needing special treatment or hospitalisation.
If you are pregnant, unvaccinated or immunocompromised you are at risk of more significant symptoms - please call South East Regional Hospital on 6150 7032 to access their COVID-19 health service.
If you are over 65 years of age, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or have a chronic health condition - call Sapphire Coast Medical Practice on 6492 2555 and we can guide you through your illness with telehealth consultations.
Isolation Information
- Stay at home (unless for medical care or you feel unsafe at home – then call ahead)
- Notify close contacts (work/school/friends) - keep in mind you can be infectious for up to 3 days before symptoms develop
- In your home, live in a separate room if possible - if you cannot isolate from household contacts they must also isolate and be tested
- Wash hands; wear a face mask around others; wipe down surfaces.
- Common: fatigue, headache, sore throat, cough, runny nose
- Other symptoms: loss of taste and smell, mild shortness of breath, muscle or joint pain, fever, nausea, occasional vomiting or diarrhoea
- If you have breathlessness, trouble keeping fluids down, dizziness or confusion - call Sapphire Coast Medical Practice
- If you develop chest pain, severe shortness of breath, collapse- call 000, tell them you have COVID-19 and need an ambulance
- Rest; drink clear fluids frequently; use paracetamol and ibuprofen for symptom relief
- Keep in touch with family and friends; maintain a daily routine; spend time outdoors if able
- Once 7 days from the date of testing has passed and if you have had NO symptoms for 24 hours you can leave isolation
- You should wear a mask around others and avoid high risk settings for 3 days
- You can have your booster dose 4-6 weeks after acute infection
- National Coronavirus Helpline 1800 020 080 (option 5 for interpreter services; 24/7 service)
- NSW Health Covid-19 Care at Home Support Line 1800 960 933 (8.30am-8.30pm)
- NSW Health Isolation Support line 1800 943 553
- Centrelink families line 136 150 –social worker/financial assistance
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/managing-covid-19/what-to-do
- The NSW Health website and Department of Health websites contain specific information regarding close contacts/isolation requirements and are continually being updated.
- There is also useful, detailed guide and action plan on managing COVID-19 at home from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (see link here and also pdf version).
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 is linked to a known exposure site or COVID-positive case, 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, have their temperature checked, symptoms checked, vaccination status checked, 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.
- If no symptoms are present, however you have been linked to any known COVID-19 cases, you will be required upon arrival to wear a mask, hand sanitise, have your temperature/symptoms/vaccination status checked, and will likely be seen in your vehicle or in one of the surgery's outdoor gazebos.
SCMP's COVID-19 VACCINATION PROGRAM
(as at 24 JANUARY 2022)
- The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) are currently recommending booster shots for people over 18 years of age THREE months after their second dose. The booster dose will preferentially be with the Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine. SCMP commenced booster vaccination clinics in mid-January 2022 BUT CURRENTLY HAVE NO APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE FOR BOOSTER SHOTS UNTIL LATE-FEBRUARY 2022. Patients can make an appointment by calling our reception staff (please be considerate of our hard-working staff!) or you can also book online through HotDoc.
- ATAGI have approved the Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years old. It is recommended that 2 doses are given 8 weeks apart. SCMP will be commencing these 5-11 yr old vaccination clinics from 22 January 2022.
- ATAGI have recommended a third dose of COVID-19 vaccines for certain groups of people who are immunocompromised. SCMP are providing these third doses, and have notified our eligible patients via SMS, phone call and/or letter to offer vaccination appointments.
- SCMP is no longer providing COVID-19 AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) Vaccinations at our surgeries. They are available at the South East Regional Hospital vaccination hub.
- We strongly encourage EVERYONE who is eligible, to receive the vaccination as soon as possible.
- 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
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
ABOUT US
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.
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.
PATIENT FEEDBACK SURVEY
Do you have a few minutes to complete a patient feedback questionnaire for Sapphire Coast Medical Practice? The survey take approximately four minutes to complete and is anonymous. The survey data is a useful way for the Practice to identify areas of concern for our patients and is important for our ongoing AGPAL accreditation. Please find the link to the survey here: http://cfep.net.au/b3BQZW
There are also paper form feedback questionnaires available from Reception at both the Bega and Tathra Surgeries and a QR code displayed at both premises as well. Please let us know if you have any questions!
There are also paper form feedback questionnaires available from Reception at both the Bega and Tathra Surgeries and a QR code displayed at both premises as well. Please let us know if you have any questions!
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24 Church Street, BEGA
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78 Bega Street, TATHRA
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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.
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.
January 2022
