COVID 19

WA Health is working closely with the Commonwealth and other state and territory governments to respond to an outbreak of a novel coronavirus that has emerged in Wuhan, China.
The risk of transmission in Australia remains low; however, the situation is evolving. Western Australians should remain alert, but not be alarmed.

IF YOU HAVE TRAVELLED OVERSEA’S IN THE LAST 2 WEEKS OR BEEN IN CONTACT WITH A CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASE

(A) and are experiencing symptoms – Please phone the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 020 080 or attend the COVID Clinic’s located at Royal Perth Hospital,
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Fiona Stanley Hospital from 8am – 8pm.
(B) but is not experiencing symtpoms – Please self-isolate for 2 weeks. (As of Monday 16/03/2020 the Prime Minister has announced that all people returning from international travel must self-isolate for 14 days after the date of return to Australia).
(C) are requiring a “sick note” for your employer but are not unwell, call the practice on 9493 8333 and ask receptionist to organise a note with the regular GP
to state they have been oversea’s without attending the practice.
(D) and are not experiencing symptoms and wish to be consulted about an un-related issue you will be asked to glove and mask up and wait in your car. When the GP is ready to consult, you will be called into the practice.

IF YOU HAVE NOT TRAVELLED OVERSEA’S IN THE LAST 2 WEEKS OR BEEN IN CONTACT WITH A CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASE

(A) but are experiencing flu like symptoms, the practice asks that you glove and mask up (provided at the reception desk) to protect others from the spread.

If you are requiring further information the following link provides such information;
https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus


Flu Vaccination 2020

 Private Stock of the Flu Injection for 2020 has been received.
The cost of the private vaccine is $15.00

Over 65, Chronic Illness and Children injections will arrive shortly,
Please call reception to discuss availability.
This year children 6 months to 11 years will receive the  Flu Vaccination for free.


Meningococcal ACWY 2018

As of Tuesday the 23rd of January, the West Australian government has announced a new free immunisation program to protect against Meningococcal ACWY strains for children & adolescents.

Childhood Program:

The WA childhood program will offer free Men ACWY vaccine to children aged 12 months to less than 5 years.
Children who turn 12 months of age will be able to receive the free vaccine at their 12 month visit.
Other children aged 13 months to <5 years can contact the practice to schedule an appointment for their child to get the MenACWY vaccine.

Adolescent program:

Adolescents aged 15 to 19 years are also eligible through the adolescent meningococcal ACWY vaccination program. Year 10 students will receive their vaccination at school in 2018. Consent forms from the child’s school will be sent home prior to the vaccination day.
Adolescents aged between 15 and 19 can continue to access the vaccine until further notice.

For further information, please visit:

http://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/J_M/Meningococcal-vaccine?platform=hootsuite


Shingles Vaccination 2018

What is Shingles?
Shingles is a painful blistering rash caused by reaction of the varicella zoster virus- the same virus that causes chickenpox.
1 in 3 Adults may develop shingles in their lifetime and the risk of developing shingles increases over the age of 70

As of the 1st of November 2016, the Australian government is funding a national Shingles Immunisation schedule for people aged 70-79years.

We have commenced sending letters to those who are eligible, if you have not received a letter to inform you of your eligibility, but would like to be vaccinated, please contact the practice on 9493 8333 and discuss with the receptionist.

 


E-Health Record

My Health Record is a secure online summary of your health information. You can control what goes into it, and who is allowed to access it. You can choose to share your health information with your doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers.

https://myhealthrecord.gov.au/internet/mhr/publishing.nsf/content/home

 


Transitioning from Pap Smears to Cervical Screening

 

From 1 December 2017, cervical screening will change in Australia. The Pap Smear/ Pap Test will be replaced with a new Cervical Screening Test every five years.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. The new Cervical Screening Test is anticipated to protect up to 30% more women.
The test is a quick and simple procedure to check the health of your cervix. It looks and feels the same as the Pap test, but tests for the human papillomavirus (known as HPV).
Your first Cervical Screening Test is due two years after your last Pap test. After that, you will only need to have the test every five years if your results are normal.
Regular cervical screening is your best protection against cervical cancer.

Eligible Age Group: The new age group to be tested will be 25 to 74 year olds. In the past the program covered 18 to 69 year olds.
If you are due for testing, contact your healthcare provider to book an appointment.
For more information about the National Cervical Screening Program call 13 15 56.

 


Hot Doc Recalls & Reminders

Spencer Road Family Practice have now switched to environmentally friendly and secure mobile messages (SMS) instead of letters to communicate health messages from doctors to patients.

You might have already received, or will be receiving these messages on your mobile phones as an SMS. You will need to click on the unique and secure link in the SMS, then verify your last name and date of birth to read your recall health message from your doctor. You will only be able to read the message if you have verified your identity to protect  your privacy.

You will need to be connected to the Internet or have data on your phone for the link to work. If your phone is connected to the internet, and you still can’t click on the link to verify yourself, please ring us on 9493 8333 and one of our friendly staff will be happy to assist.