With news of rising Covid-19 cases and an extended lock down, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is urging the Greater Sydney community not to delay their medical appointments.
RACGP President Dr Karen Price is appealing to people in Greater Sydney to take care of themselves and avoid putting additional pressure on local hospitals by letting health concerns, including mental health issues, escalate.
“There is the risk that your condition will worsen and that you will end up in a hospital bed for a condition that could been addressed earlier in a GP’s exam room,” says Dr Price.
“The pressures facing paramedics and hospital healthcare workers in Victoria right now are significant.
“That is due to a range of factors – however, a key part of the problem is that patients put off medical care during the last lockdown.
“We have a high number of Covid-19 cases in Greater Sydney and now an extended lockdown.
“I can understand why some people may be hesitant to consult with their GP in these uncertain times, but please don’t cancel or postpone a consultation.”
Dr Price adds that during this challenging period it’s important that people continue to take good care of themselves and “have health issues seen to right away” to stay on top of them and prevent “ending up in hospital”.
“Remember that telehealth services, including over the telephone, are available as well as e-scripts. GPs are ready and enabled to keep on delivering health care even under these trying circumstances,” she says.
More information on electronic prescriptions can be found here and accessing care via telehealth here.
