SCMP's COVID-19 VACCINATION PROGRAM
(as at 14 June 2021)

• SCMP will commence COVID Vaccinations to all patients over 50 years of age at both our Bega and Tathra surgeries from Monday 17th May, 2021.  Despite recent concerns in the media about the safety of the coronavirus vaccine, the Australian Department of Health and the Therapeutic Goods Administration are still reassuring everyone that the vaccine is safe, so we can continue to go ahead with our vaccination program as planned.
• We are still focused on vaccinating our most vulnerable patients first under the Phase 1b roll-out (see below), however, if you are aged 50 years and over, you can now CALL the SCMP Bega or Tathra Surgeries (PLEASE CALL AFTER 2PM IF POSSIBLE) and book into one of our COVID vaccination clinics in late-May/June.  At that time, you will be booked to attend clinics for your first dose of the COVID Vaccination, your annual Flu Vaccination 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).

• We plan to provide vaccination clinics over 3 days every week as required 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.
• Our Flu Vaccination Clinics will also run similarly in April/May, but 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, and will contact eligible patients to make a scheduled appointment at one of the Clinics.

MANAGEMENT OF THE CURRENT COVID SITUATION

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

The current advice from NSW Health remains that all people with 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 Melbourne, the Bendigo region, the Jervis Bay region, or Goulburn since May 17th, 2021, SHOULD NOT be seen INSIDE the premises unless they have obtained a negative COVID test result.

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 the Greater Melbourne, Bendigo region, Jervis Bay region, or Goulburn since May 17th 2021, you will be asked upon arrival to wear a mask, hand sanitise and have your temperature checked.      

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
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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.

June 2021