The new drive-thru testing clinic commenced July 9 and now operates daily from 9am to 3pm, seven days a week. People are encouraged to phone ahead to book an appointment on 0436 345 573.
Seymour Health is following DHHS guidelines regarding testing eligibility, which includes no asymptomatic testing, unless from one of the 12 priority postcode areas.
Community members are encouraged to phone ahead and only attend appointments at the clinic if they exhibit fever or chills (in the absence of an alternative diagnosis that explains the clinical presentation) or acute respiratory infection (cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell or loss of taste)
Additional nursing and administration support staff have been scheduled to assist with the expected increase in demand for COVID-19 testing and further test kits and PPE has been ordered to help with the anticipated increase in volume.
Seymour Health is implementing a pandemic plan developed by the health service, which provides direction with the implementation of measures to minimise disease transmission to help protect the community.
Community members are encouraged to be aware of the following resulting from the recent announcement of six weeks of stage three restriction for Mitchell Shire.
Urgent Care Centre
Open 24 hours
Acute
- Visiting hours to 4pm to 8pm every day
- One visitor per patient at any one time
- Visitors should not stay longer than 30 minutes
- No children under 16 years of age
- Screening and sign in register on entry for visitors and contractors
Barrabill House (Residential Aged Care Facility)
- Full access restrictions will apply
- Only essential staff and health professionals can access the facility
- Large group gatherings, including social activities and entertainment will be suspended until further notice
Theatre
- Elective surgery has been suspended
Ambulatory Care Centre
- Telehealth consults (Healthdirect video call) will be reintroduced for Hospital Admission Risk Program (HARP) programs
- Health Independence Program (HIP) – ‘one on one’ sessions only
- Diabetic education, dietician and physiotherapy appointments- ‘one on one’ if required
- Home visits - essential services only
Community services
- Social support group services has been suspended
- District nursing and palliative care services - via phone/or home visits, if essential
- Post-acute care – business as usual
Oral health services (dental)
- Emergency treatments only
Dialysis
- Services to remain the same – business as usual
Seymour Health chief executive Ward Steet said he was proud of how Seymour Health staff for rising to meet the challenge following the announcement of further restrictions.
“Despite the additional pressures of rapid and constantly changing information, our health service has been extremely agile in its response and ability to adapt,” he said.
“We continue to provide our community with the highest level of care and access to up to date information and we appreciate the community’s assistance and understanding during this challenging time.”
Anyone with questions about symptoms or potential exposure should call 5793 6100 for advice, as this may avoid the need for hospital attendance.
For the latest up to date information, visit dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
