As health professionals, we are monitoring the coronavirus situation and are taking the risk of infection very seriously. The care we provide and the wellbeing of our patients, their families and our staff are a priority for us, and we have protection procedures in place.

What is Coronavirus?

The current outbreak of coronavirus is a new strain of flu which manifests with typical flu like symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath and general breathing difficulties. Other symptoms may include runny nose, headache and fatigue. https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

Who is at risk?

Many Australians of all ages have been and will be diagnosed with coronavirus in the coming months. Pregnant women

As this is a new virus there is limited evidence on the impact this disease has on pregnancy and unborn children. It is expected most pregnant women will experience only mild or moderate cold/flu like symptoms and we do not believe that pregnant women are more susceptible to the virus. 

https://ranzcog.edu.au/statements-guidelines/covid-19-statement

Couples undergoing fertility treatment

The Fertility Society of Australia recommends that individuals who are pregnant or seeking to become pregnant should avoid non-essential travel to known areas of infection and avoid contact with individuals who may have become infected or have travelled to a high risk area. https://www.fertilitysociety.com.au/home/fsa-statement-covid-19/

What precautions should you take?

If you are experiencing any of the earlier mentioned symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately by contacting your GP. If you have a scheduled appointment with us and feel unwell, please call ahead and understand that at this time we will not be able to treat you.

If you have recently travelled overseas (in the last 14 days), please also advise us before attending an appointment. Do note that from Sunday 15 March, the federal government has encouraged all Australians returning from overseas to self-isolate for 14 days. Further precautions to minimise your risk of infection.

Wash your hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds. Dry with paper towel or a hand dryer.

Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.

Stay at home if you feel sick. If you take medication make sure you have enough.

Phone your doctor or the dedicated Coronavirus hotline 1800 675 398 if you need medical attention. They will advise you what to do.

Continue healthy habits: exercise, drink water, eat well and get plenty of sleep.

Wearing a face mask is not necessary if you are well.

Buy alcohol-based hand sanitiser with over 60% alcohol.

We are open!

We continue to consult in rooms and via telehealth, be on-call for births and will perform urgent surgery.

The government has extended telehealth services to specialists including obstetrician and gynaecologists to support and care for women.

We request that only the patient attends an appointment (please only bring a support person and children if required.)

 To maximise social distancing, we are staggering our appointment times.

Hand sanitiser is provided and we request that all visitors wash their hands on arrival.

Future updates

The coronavirus situation is changing daily, and we suggest that if you use social media that you follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date.

https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

https://ranzcog.edu.au/statements-guidelines/covid-19-statement