Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Alert for ArthritisCARE patients
With COVID-19 now declared a global pandemic, ArthritisCARE will continue to monitor and implement all necessary government recommendations and will do our best to provide a high standard of care to our patients and their families, while at the same time, maintaining a safe workplace for our staff and their families.
For patients that have an upcoming appointment, if you have a fever, cough, sore throat or flu-like symptoms OR have travelled overseas in the last 14 days OR have had close contact with someone diagnosed with, or suspected of having, Coronavirus in the last 14 days, please contact us directly. On phone (07) 3255 1066 or email admin@arthritiscare.com.au for advice.
Likewise, all of our staff will follow the same guidelines to ensure our patients and work colleagues are as safe as possible.
Safety is our number one priority.
Wherever possible we would prefer to review patients via Telehealth consultation. However, if this is not an option for you at this stage, we are still open for regular consultations also. If you are coming onsite for your review or initial consult, please ensure you are not experiencing one of the following symptoms or you may be asked to postpone your appointment on arrival.
- High temperature
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
As advocates of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) our Rheumatologists take the safety of our patients, our staff and their families very seriously. We follow AMA Guidelines for Infection Control, which includes minimising the risk of transmitting viruses including the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Social distancing
If you are coming onsite for your initial consult or review, we have implemented the following guidelines.
All patients should maintain a 1.5 metre distance from each other and their treating Rheumatologist as well as our administrative staff at all times. We have allocated areas for waiting and have spaced out our onsite reviews where possible to limit thoroughfare onsite.
We recommend all our patients practice social distancing wherever possible, particularly over the next few weeks.
Should patients who become infected with the virus cease their medication?
If patients develop symptoms of any infection, established practice should be followed and immunosuppressive therapy paused for the duration of the infection until they feel well, in consultation with their rheumatology team. For patients on glucocorticoids (steroids, prednisolone) where treatment should not be stopped abruptly, advice should be sought from their treating team.
What precautions should you take?
Patients concerned about the risk of infection are advised to take precautions. In addition, patients should ensure that their vaccinations, such as flu and pneumococcal, are up to date to reduce the risk of secondary infections. However, if you have any queries or concerns please contact ArthritisCARE direct to arrange a telehealth consultation with your treating Rheumatologist.
If you are intending to travel overseas, should you change your plans?
It is strongly advised that immunosuppressed patients, as well the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, limit their travel wherever possible for the foreseeable future. Patients should be directed to the country-specific advice, which can be accessed from the following website.
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/coronavirus-covid-19
Australian rheumatology Association
This helpful COVID-19 Information for people with Rheumatoid and other Inflammatory Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and other Autoimmune Diseases information is now available and regularly updated by the Australian rheumatology Association.
Coronavirus from the Australian rheumatology Association.
Telehealth Consultations
In response to best practice guidelines, ArthritisCARE will provide telehealth consultations for all of our review consultations wherever possible until further advised. Our Skype details are as follows.
PLEASE NOTE THESE EMAIL ACCOUNTS ARE NOT ATTENDED. OUR DIRECT EMAIL FOR ALL DOCTORS IS admin@arthritiscare.com.au Any emails sent to the below SKYPE details will not be actioned.
Dr Peter Landsberg – landsbergp.ac@gmail.com
Dr Louise McCormack – l.mccormackac@gmail.com
Dr Clare Owens – owensc.ac@gmail.com
Dr Maryam Zia – mzia.ac@gmail.com
Contact us for more advice
If you have any concerns or questions at all, contact us by phone on (07) 3255 1066 or email admin@arthritiscare.com.au
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