Firstly, we are still open!
As a valued patient, we would like to personally update you on evolving measures to ensure the health and safety of our staff and patients during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
We are continuing to closely monitor all available information provided by the Australian Department of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO) and have been receiving updates daily from our
professional body and other related parties.
Given the rate of spread and the affect the virus is having on vulnerable people in our community, we have implemented additional safeguard measures to enhance the protection of our staff and patients.
Hygiene and cleaning practices
We are continuing to maintain high hygiene standards in our waiting rooms, treatment rooms, gym areas and when engaging in at-home or onsite visits. In addition to the standard practice for our practitioners to wash hands and sanitise between consultations, we have permanently removed paper bedcovers and are instead disinfecting all bed surfaces with an antibacterial solution between patients.
Additional measures from 23 March 2020
When booking appointments, patients will not be treated if they have:
- Returned from any international travel within the past 14 days
- Have been in close contact with a person who has a confirmed case of Covid-19
- Have a fever, cough, shortness of breath or other flu-like symptoms
There will be only one patient in the practice at any one time. We ask that patients wait in their vehicle and call 9838 3030 to confirm they are on site. If the physiotherapist is still finishing a prior consultation, we ask that patients remain in their vehicle until a staff member advises the physiotherapist is ready to commence the treatment session.
All touch services are disinfected frequently throughout the day.
We have further increased our capacity for home visit consultations. A home visit consultation unfortunately costs more (a reflection of the time spent by physiotherapists travelling to the patient) and also includes a travel charge/km for vehicle expenses. However, for the next 2 months, there will be a zero km charge for any patient within a 5km radius of either practice.
Additional Measures from 5 April 2020
Patients are asked to remain in their car to have their temperature taken by the physiotherapist prior to treatment. If the temperature is under 36.9, the patient will be escorted to the bathroom to wash their hands prior to the consultation. The physiotherapist will be equipped with Personal Protective Equipment at all times. Cash will no longer be accepted as a method of payment.
We have introduced Telehealth to facilitate virtual consultations with patients in high risk categories or who feel uncomfortable leaving their home.
From 1 April 2020, Medicare will be contributing to the funding of these consultations (with referral) and many Private Health Funds will offer rebates for Telehealth from 14 April 2020.
Please understand that these changes are being made with every intention of ensuring your safe continuity of care as we strive to deliver the highest quality of healthcare in these adverse times. If you
have any queries, please contact us on 9838 3030.
We thank you for your ongoing support.
Kind Regards, Phil & Catriona Wood