AS YOU WOULD BE AWARE, WE ARE NOW ALL PRACTICING HEALTH SAFETY MEASURES DUE TO CORONAVIRUS IN AUSTRALIA.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM :- Dr Andrew WIGNALL, DR Brett LEAVERS and Dr Nicholas LEITH
PHONE 02 9874 0347
EMAIL:- reception@denistone52ent.com.au
FAX:- 02 9858 2056
Following the self-isolation period associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and gradual relaxation of restrictions, it remains important to continue sensible but simple personal health measures.
- Social distancing > 1.5m
- Regular hand washing
- Use of hand sanitizer if hand washing not available or appropriate
- Use appropriate sneeze and cough etiquette
- Self-isolation if any upper respiratory symptoms
- .. and consider COVID-19 swab testing
- Download the ‘COVID SAFE’ app … and ensure it remains running in the background
We have begun routine surgery consultations with some restrictions taking into account the above safety measures. This will mean :-
- Significant spacing of appointments to avoid congestion in the waiting room and allow social distancing
- Prioritizing of more urgent cases as there will be less appointments available.
- Rostering on more medical ENT doctors to meet demand.
- This may mean not necessarily being able to gain an appointment with your ENT Surgeon of choice. Be assured you WILL receive the same high standard of care skill and attention.
- Positioning of “HEALTH GUARDS” in front of reception staff for their AND your safety.
- please remain in front of GUARD and not talk around the sides.
- Hand sanitizer available – please use on first arrival …. And use when needed otherwise.
- Face Masks are generally not necessary – EXCEPT..
- If YOU have a cough
- For certain in rooms procedures of increased risk
- TELEHEALTH CONSULTATIONS are available if…
- You have concerns attending the surgery
- Are unwell with respiratory symptoms
- Are waiting for a COVID SWAB result to come back
- You “fail” any of the screening questions asked by our staff
- At the discretion of the Doctor
Please discuss with the reception staff
For your appointment you will be notified of and appropriate time to present to the surgery
- Don’t bring unnecessary friends or extended family to the appointment; they may be asked to remain outside or in your car.
- Stay in your car when you arrive for your appointment and call us on 9874 0347 to advise us you have arrived. We can then let you know when the doctor is ready to see you. (Limited parking is available at the rear of the building).
- Please don’t arrive any earlier than 10-15 mins before your appointment to avoid congestion in the waiting room
- ALL attendees to the surgery – patients and any accompanying – will be asked screening questions with respect to COVID-19 AND have their temperature checked
- If there are any concerns you will be required to postpone the visit and rebook an appropriate time
If you have any further questions or concerns regarding your appointment, please email at .. reception@denistone52ent.com.au
OPERATIONS
The Government both National and State have mandated a gradual relaxing of restrictions on ELECTIVE SURGERY.
- There remains concern of a SECOND WAVE OF VIRAL INFECTIONS, and as well the regular FLU season will create a very confusing and anxious picture.
- Currently hospitals are slowly allowing between 25% - 75% of usual operating time available for their surgeons
- There of course will be a backlog of postponed cases to work through - some will need to be prioritized
- Some patients will remain anxious – this we understand. Be assured we would not place you or ourselves in any danger or risk
- Our staff will be contacting you as operating time becomes available to coordinate the best time to suit you.
- The PUBLIC Hospitals will necessarily be a little slower to open up capacity as well as having a large backlog of cases – please be patient.
Further information on coronavirus may be accessed at the NSW Health Department website:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx