PREPRAING FOR COVID-19 OMICRON
Important information. Please take the time to read; you'll find useful links to current information about New Zealand's Covid status and advice for how to protect your family
USEFUL LINKS
All you need to know about COVID 19.
CARE AT HOME
If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, you may have questions or concerns about when to seek medical advice and how to manage your symptoms. This page will provide you with a simple guide.
https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/c/covid-19-positive-care-at-home/
COMMUNTIY CARE TOPICS
Most people who get COVID-19 have mild symptoms. If you test positive for COVID-19, your doctor or a health professional will contact you. They will explain what it means and phone you regularly to check you are ok. If you are advised to stay at home, it is important to self-isolate, monitor your symptoms and to talk to your healthcare team if you have any concerns.
https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/c/covid-19-positive-community-care-topics/
We understand these times are challenging and can lead to increased anxiety; this website may offer some support.
https://www.anxiety.org.nz/coping-with-covid
GUIDENCE FOR HOUSEHOLD CONTACTS
LATEST UPDATES
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DOWNLOAD
COVID READINESS
CHECKLIST
DOWNLOAD
WHAT TO EXPECT
WHEN SELF ISOLATING
We understand that for many of us, the constant reminders about the impact of COVID can be overwhelming, distressing or information-overload.
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What we would like to you know, though, is that we are preparing to manage your healthcare during the coming months, including if we are faced with COVID-19 in our community.
First and foremost, your health care is our priority; and we will be working hard to provide a healthcare service that meets your needs.
To do this, we need to change the way we do things.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?
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We will be prioritising all consultations as telephone consultations.
- Please understand that in order for us to continue to provide healthcare services, we need to keep our practice safe and reduce any possible risk of exposure to COVID for our staff.
- Telephone consultations are a practical and effective way of continuing to provide health care, and have been used widely for some years. Your care is not compromised at all by accessing telephone consultations, and for many of our patients, they are the preferred means of consultation as they are time-efficient by reducing travel time.
- Telephone consultations are the same charge as in-person consultations.
- Our health practitioners will triage whether the consultation is best provided as a telephone or in-person consultation.
- There are some health issues, and health needs that will require an in-person consultation, and these will absolutely be provided.
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Controlled access – for many of you who have been to the practice recently, you will notice that we have controlled access (our doors are locked).
Again this is a safety measure in order to keep our team safe-keeping our team safe means we can continue to provide healthcare services. We understand this can create some issues; please work with us on this – we are doing this not to cause any distress but so that we can keep you, your whanau and our team safe.
ARRIVAL AT THE CLINIC
When you arrive at the practice, please ensure you are wearing a mask before entering the practice. Our doors are unlocked and our waiting room is available for use - however masks must be worn. We are aware our waiting area is small and distancing is difficult, so if you would like to wait in your vehicle for your appointment that is absolutely fine - please just ring us to let us know you have arrived,
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Screening - Screening for any potential COVID symptoms is the one of the best means of keeping our patients and our team safe.
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Respiratory symptoms include coughs, runny nose, sore throat, headache, temperature, aches and pains or if you are feeling tired or have loss of taste or smell.
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Please answer the questions honestly – if you have any respiratory symptoms we can still provide healthcare but by letting us know that you have respiratory symptoms we are able to provide appropriate care.
PREPARING FOR OMRICON
- Initial indications suggest that 20% of our workforce may be impacted by Omicron; despite our best efforts this will impact upon our level of service provision. We are doing our best to mitigate this and have some alternative strategies but we ask for your tolerance and patience and as we all move through the coming months together.
We would advise our patients to make a plan; things to consider are …
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Who are your support people? If you live alone, do you have someone who can bring your supplies? Or check in with how you are doing each day?
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Do you have enough supplies; we recommend having a 14 day supply of your essential items.
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This link will take you to a checklist for preparing your household for COVID-19 - https://covid19.govt.nz/assets/resources/posters/COVID-19-Readiness-Checklist.pdf
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If you are self-isolating please refer to this checklist - https://covid19.govt.nz/assets/resources/posters/care-in-the-community-self-isolating-timeline.pdf
We are able to provide your COVID vaccinations including boosters and vaccinations for our 5 to 11 year olds; please ring the practice to book your vaccination appointment.
Our team are always committed to providing the best healthcare for our patients; these are difficult times for us all. Please work with us to make sure we don’t just survive but that together we thrive. Community-spirit is our strength and we believe this will shine through in the months ahead.
If you test positive for COVID
Don't panic; here are some guidelines for you.
https://www.health.govt.nz/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-health-advice-public/people-covid-19
People with COVID-19 | Ministry of Health NZ
Most people with COVID-19 (particularly those who are fully vaccinated, with a booster) are likely to have a mild to moderate illness and will be fine to recover at home. For those who need a bit more help, support will be available.
Mental health and well-being resource
https://mentalhealth.org.nz/getting-through-together
Support to get through COVID-19 - Mental Health Foundation
Information about wellbeing, parenting during COVID-19, support for workplaces, grief and loss, suicide prevention, what to do if you’re hard time getting through and more helpful resources.
COVID-19: Mental health and wellbeing resources - Ministry of Health NZ
Impact of COVID-19. COVID-19 has had a significant impact on how we interact with others, go about our lives, our work, study and many other aspects of our lives.
COVID & Children
https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/tags/covid-19
24 HOUR CARE
Oxford, Canterbury.
We are your local
emergency care providers.
Available - 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Appointments
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Urgent? Explain your circumstances to our receptionist. We reserve urgent appointments qualified by a triage nurse.
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All emergencies will take priority and appointment times should be considered approximations and flexible.
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Late arrival – as a courtesy to other patients you may be asked to re-schedule your appointment.
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Non-arrival – please advise if possible if you are unable to attend your appointment. We may charge for the missed appointment if we haven't been informed at least 2 hours prior.
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Double appointments are required for:
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More than one person attending
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Multiple problems
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Insurance medicals
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70+ Drivers licence assessments (15 mins of this with the nurse).
Ask the receptionist to advise you on the type of appointment that best suits you :)
Repeat prescriptions
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Your doctor will know if you are unable to obtain these without a consultation.
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Please allow at least 48 hours before you wish to collect it.
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Remember a charge will be made (see our charges list).
Accounts
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All visiting and new patients must pay prior to consultation with the doctor or nurse.
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Please pay at the time of consultation. An additional $5 charge is applicable if not paid on the same day.
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We do not run accounts, but if you have difficulty in making a payment, it is important to speak to our reception staff. They will do their best to assist you.