COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS
On this page we will be keeping you up to date about our response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Our top priority has been providing safe access to appropriate medical care. We encourage you not to delay seeking the advice of your doctor during Covid!
Choose face-to-face or Telehealth
Royal Park Medical has been working to adopt Covid-safe policies, while remaining accessible to our patients. We are here to help support you, your family and our community. You are now welcome to attend the clinic for your appointments, where it is safe* to do so. We will ask you to wear a mask when you attend.
* Please do not book an in-person visit if you have any of COVID-19 symptoms, or are required to isolate or quarantine. These symptoms include cough, runny nose, sore throat or fever. We can offer medical advice and care via a Telehealth consult. We also strongly recommend you undertake a COVID swab at your local testing facility, as per current advice from the Department of Health. Should your illness persist, your doctor may arrange for you to attend the clinic after the initial Telehealth assessment. Any person with these symptoms attending Royal Park Medical will be asked to remain in an isolation room instead of the waiting room.
We are also still offering Telehealth appointments to patients who prefer one (note that Medicare rebates are not available if you have not attended the clinic in person in the last 12 months). Social distancing has been an essential part of the response, and is still important when seeking medical care. And Telehealth in many cases can be more efficient and convenient!
Please note that Dr Paul Grinzi is only offering Telehealth consultations at this point, no face to face attendances.
How to book a Telehealth appointment
Telehealth appointments can be booked online — click above and choose a phone or video consultation.
We use a secure Australian-based video platform. If you select a Telehealth appointment, you will receive a a web link to the virtual waiting room. Please click on this link on your smartphone, tablet or webcam-enabled computer 5 minutes before the appointment time.
Simply clicking on the link will allow you to join the video consultation. You don’t need to download any software, or go through any long sign-up process. The system will ask you to type your name, and agree to the consent form. Once you are in the virtual waiting room, you may need to wait until your doctor has finished their previous consultation.
If you do not have a webcam or smartphone, we can still do telephone consultations. Please let us know if this is what you need. Our doctors will ask questions to ensure they understand your needs. Bear in mind that the doctor won’t be able to see you and it can be difficult to get a full understanding of your medical concern.
If your doctor decides that you need further examination or a procedure you may be asked to come to RPM at a convenient time.
COVID-19 Vaccination
Covid vaccines are now being rolled out to all over 50 year olds. Royal Park Medical has not yet received any Covid vaccines, but we do strongly encourage our patients to get vaccinated at one of the nearby centres.
Phase 1b has now expanded to include all over 50 year olds, in addition to those who were already in a priority group. If you are over 50, your turn has come!
If you are under 50 and in a high priority group (especially health care workers, and border or quarantine workers) we recommend contacting the Victorian vaccination hotline to arrange your vaccine. Call 1800 675 398 (24 hours) or visit https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/information-hub-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine
Tips for preparing for your vaccination
Tips on preparing for your Covid vaccine:
- Allow 30-45 minutes for the vaccine appointment, as you will need to remain for at least 15 minutes after your injection
- Attend in loose clothing, ideally short-sleeves
- Bring ID and proof of any medical condition or occupation that makes you eligible
- Most clinics will require you to complete a consent form, either online ahead of time or when you attend
- Read the information sheets (links available on our website) and prepare any questions
- Bring details of any serious allergies (especially to vaccine products)
- If you have very complicated medical conditions, or concerns about your suitability for vaccination, you may wish to discuss with your usual doctor beforehand
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please read the following information section and useful link
Pregnancy and COVID vaccination
Are you pregnant and not sure whether to have the Covid vaccine?
This is a tricky question to answer. Unfortunately we don’t yet have a lot of scientific evidence to help. There is no evidence that the vaccine is harmful in pregnancy, or to the unborn child, and there is now building evidence that it is likely to be safe. Guidance has been made available, and can be accessed here;
Many people will choose to wait until the baby is born, but if you are at high risk of exposure (eg through your work) you may wish to vaccinate now. We are happy to discuss your circumstances in more detail at a doctor’s appointment.
While breastfeeding, there is no suggestion that the Covid vaccines are unsafe for you or your child. Local guidelines recommend proceeding with your vaccine if you are breastfeeding. Likewise, it is safe and appropriate to have a vaccine before you become pregnant. Please ask your doctor if you are concerned.
