On behalf of all the GPs and staff at Blackburn Clinic, I want to sincerely thank you for your patience and understanding, as together we all manage the coronavirus pandemic.
Blackburn Clinic continues to offer all patients a Telehealth Consultation as the first contact. This allows you to practise social distancing whilst still serving your needs. Should we not be able to safely or effectively manage your concerns over the telephone, we will ask you to attend the Clinic. Please be assured that we have taken your safety and that of our staff, as the highest priority, and have made a number of physical and procedural changes to ensure our practice environment is as safe as possible.
Telehealth Consultations are bulkbilled for Concession Cardholders, children under 16 years and those considered to be at higher risk of COVID-19. We have decided to offer a 50% discount on the “out of pocket” cost to our full fee paying patients for their Telehealth Consultations. Normal fees apply for in-Clinic appointments.
Patients meeting the criteria for COVID-19 testing will continue to be assessed by our GPs over the telephone, then directed to one of several testing sites nearby. At the time of writing, all patients with a fever or symptoms of cough, sore throat or shortness of breath require testing, as do unwell contacts of a confirmed case. Patients who require a clinical examination will be seen by one of our GPs in personal protective equipment in our Carpark Respiratory Clinic.
We continue to recommend flu vaccinations for all of our patients over 6 months of age. Our supply chain, procedures and the hard work of all staff have already allowed us to vaccinate thousands of patients. Flu vaccines are administered by the GPs in booked appointments throughout the week and on weekend afternoons. Please telephone 9875 1123 to book a flu vaccine appointment, as these cannot be booked online.
Finally, the stability of COVID-19 case numbers in Victoria fills us with the hope and optimism that we will soon see ourselves through this crisis. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to social distancing. Please remember, our help is only a phone call away.
Dr Peter Lovass
Managing Principal
