December 2020
Dear Fellow Australians,
The Continuity of Care Collaboration wishes you a happy festive season. As we head towards a new year, we ask that you continue to focus on your health and the health of your loved ones.
We have heard the word “unprecedented” too often this year. Many of us are desperate to get to the other side of 2020. However, as we reflect on the year, it’s important to acknowledge our real accomplishment in Australia’s containment of COVID-19. This could only have been achieved through your dedication, resilience and staying the course throughout much of this year.
We certainly recognise that the year has been tough for many, and whether or not we have been directly affected by COVID-19, the pandemic has highlighted that each and every person’s health matters.
As we look to 2021, it remains critically important for all of us to look after our own health. The Continuity of Care Collaboration is offering a friendly reminder to all Australians to put their health first by asking yourself these questions:
- Did you miss a cancer or diabetes screening test?
- Do you have new or worrying symptoms?
- Are you experiencing feelings of sadness, isolation or anxiety?
- Did you miss your regular medical appointments for an ongoing condition?
- Did you miss a regular blood test?
- Have you missed your regular 6-month dentist check-up or your allied health professional appointment?
- Have you put off an x-ray or scan?
If you, or someone you care for, said YES to any of these questions, now is the time to make an appointment with your healthcare professional, allied health professional, dentist, pathology provider, imaging centre, GP clinic or hospital.
We also want to remind Australians that there are COVID-safe measures in place to continue to keep you safe with staff at most healthcare providers wearing masks and in many cases, full PPE.
There is also regular deep cleaning of treatment rooms and equipment between patients, as well as frequent cleaning of waiting rooms and patient triaging. Clinics and hospitals will also continue to practise safe distancing measures.
Telehealth continues to be widely available in general practice and with many other health professionals such as specialists, dentists and allied health providers, making healthcare easier to access through video chat or phone calls. This may be particularly beneficial if you live in a rural or remote area or are unable to leave your home.
Pharmacists are ready to provide advice as well as the medicines you need, and home delivery of medication can also be arranged.
So please, don’t wait mate. Get in touch, make that call, or book an appointment today. Let’s work together to keep you well.
Signed by:
Continuity of Care Collaboration Members
#dontwaitmate #getchecked #dontskiptests
