Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health has been paramount. This means we consider not only the health and well-being of our staff and our patients, but also that of the wider community we touch when we leave the rooms.
All our staff have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Face masks remain strongly recommendend by NSW Health in indoor public spaces and where physical distancing is difficult maintain.
GENERAL UPDATE: from Wednesday 22 March 2023 the following applies -
- We are open to all patients.
- Do not attend your appointment if you are unwell. If you exhibit flu-like symptoms or are otherwise unwell, we may ask you to wear a face mask or to reschedule your appointment.
- Physical distancing remains in place. Come on your own if you can, and if you can't, please limit the number of people accompanying you. Be aware that they may be asked to remain in the waiting room or outside during your consultation.
- Various members of staff will continue to wear masks, especially when seeing patients and when physical distancing is difficult.
- If you are wearing a face mask, you may ask your treatment provider to wear a mask if they are not already doing so.
Below is some general information about how we are currently working.
How are we seeing people?
We are seeing people face to face. Hand conditions and injuries, unfortunately, are not usually suitable for remote consultations.
What steps are we taking to ensure the health of our patients?
We are:
- Fully vaccinated.
- Following all government regulations in relation to overseas, interstate and intrastate travel.
- Monitoring the health of all our staff, including:
- excluding all staff member with flu-like symptoms; and
- requiring strict hygiene practices.
- Managing the number of people in the practice at any one time.
- Providing hand sanitiser and ensuring its use by all patients and visitors.
- Requiring social distance spacing in the waiting room, consultations rooms and treatment areas.
- Ensuring meticulous cleaning of all surfaces and equipment.
- Providing purpose-built Perspex hygiene screens at our reception counter.
- Wearing face masks where appropriate.
How do we keep up to date with COVID-19 information?
We monitor both the Federal and NSW Department of Health websites to ensure that all our actions are commensurate with the latest government regulations and guidelines.
We receive regular updates from our professional bodies, via email and webinars, regarding the application of government guideleines to our particular fields of expertise.
What does this mean for me?
The impact on you will depend on the nature of your condition and whether you are a new patient, a returning patient, or a visitor.
You may be asked to do some or all of the following:
- Leave the rooms if you display flu-like symptoms.
- Sanitise your hands upon entering and leaving, and at any other time as required by a staff member.
- Maintain your distance from other people in the waiting area.
- Wear a face mask.
Please be aware that we limit the number of people in the waiting area, therapy bay and consulting rooms. If you can, please come on your own. If you are accompanied, your companion(s) may not be able to join you in the therapy bay or consulting room. If we have too many people to maintain adequate physical distancing, we may ask you to wait outside or in your car.
When will I be able to have surgery?
All day-only and overnight surgical procedures are currently permitted. There may be a wait time, or you may have to be rescheduled at short notice, due to COVID-19 transmission amognst staff, the hospital and/or the general community. Please be patient as we juggle competing individual and community health priorities.
Why should I wear a mask?
The main value of wearing a face mask is to protect other people. Wearing masks in the community is recommended as protection against COVID-19 in regions where community transmission is occurring and physical distance is difficult to maintain. In these circumstances, wearing a mask can reduce the chance of infecting other people.
We are a medical practice. We ask that as a courtesy to others you wear a mask while you are on our premises, regardless of your vaccination status.
Please remember that masks alone are not be effective to prevent transmission of COVID-19; staying home if unwell, physical distancing and good hand hygiene are also necessary. If you have any cold or flu symptoms at all, such as a headache, fever, cough, sore throat or sniffle, then we ask that you cancel your appointment and get tested for COVID-19.