RESPIRATORY ILLNESS INFORMATION

(POST-COVID)

Waverley Family Healthcare is committed to provided the best care possible for respiratory illness presentations.

To ensure the safety of all patients and staff, we have implemented numerous infection control practices, in line with current recommendations from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Waverley Family Healthcare has implemented a Face Mask Policy.

Upon entrance to our clinic, all patients and staff are required to wear a face mask. This policy has been implemented to ensure safety of the community.

Experiencing symptoms?

In accordance with the DHHS, common symptoms for respiratory illness include:

• chills or sweats
• cough
• cold
• fever
• runny nose
• sore throat
• shortness of breath
• sneezing

Dial 000 if you are having trouble breathing.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and would like to book an appointment, please call the clinic on (03) 9802 8000 or book online via HotDoc. We are able to arrange telehealth appointments or car consultations, on a case-by-case basis.

Symptom Screening

Upon entrance to the clinic, every patient is asked screening questions. Each patient and anyone accompanying the patient will need to answer the questions.

This information is collected to ensure that anyone experiencing symptoms is treated appropriately in accordance with infection control procedures. It is important the questions are answered accurately to allow us to appropriately triage your healthcare.

If you have flu-like symptoms or any contagious symptoms, please notify reception immediately.

If you report symptoms and have a vehicle:
You will be asked to remain in your vehicle and complete a RAT (Rapid Antigen Test).

Please call us 9802 8000 to report the RAT result. Regardless of the result (positive or negative), the GP will contact you to provide advice on the next steps.

If you report symptoms and do not have a vehicle:
You will be directed to a vacant clinical room, which serves as a safe, isolated waiting space and will ensure both your comfort and infection control, and complete a RAT (Rapid Antigen Test).

Please inform Reception of the RAT result. Regardless of the result (positive or negative), the GP will provide advice on the next steps.

The full 4 in 1 RAT (includes Covid, Flu A and B, RSV) can be purchased for $15 from healthSAVE pharmacy located on ground floor near the entrance.

Staying safe

Maintaining good hygiene is critical to minimising the transmission of respiratory illness. This can be achieved through the following guidelines:

• Wash your hands regularly
• Use hand sanitiser regularly
• Maintain a 1.5metre distance from others when possible
• Wear a fitted face mask when appropriate

At Waverley Family Healthcare, we have made it a priority to implement these practices into our clinical duties. This includes hand sanitisation stations available throughout the clinic, hand-washing facilities, regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces and symptom screening.