By Theresia Titus
St John of God Health Care has recently backed a campaign urging Western Australians to maintain regular contact and visit medical professionals more often to prevent life-threatening complications.
WA Department of Health, along with WA Primary Health Alliance, launched the #SeeYourGP campaign as some WA general practices were seeing a significant decline in patient visits for regular check-ups and appointments in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speakiung to The Record, SJGHC Group Chief Executive Dr Shane Kelly, reminded Australian communities that “a full range of health care services continues to be available at this time”.
“We remain prepared for a potential surge in demand from the Novel Coronavirus, but it’s important to remember that there are other health care needs in the community that continue to require treatment and care,” Dr Kelly said.
“People do not stop giving birth, getting sick, having accidents, or needing treatment or screening for a range of conditions just because we have an emergency to manage.
“If people have to put regular health checks on hold during the pandemic, or have not seen their General Practitioner (GP), now is the time to book a GP appointment to discuss any health concerns.
“Appointments can often be done over the phone or via video. GPs can then, of course, refer patients to specialists for additional care as needed,” he continued.
Dr Kelly said SJGHC had recommenced non-urgent elective surgeries, in addition to emergency and urgent care and a range of community-based services.
“Patients can continue to see their specialist and schedule in required surgery for the coming weeks and months ahead,” Dr Kelly added.
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australian Medical Association have also confirmed lower numbers of patients seeking treatment in recent weeks, as some patients were in fear of attending clinics while others were concerned “about placing additional pressure on the health system”.
This could put the hospitals and the wider health system under even greater pressure, dealing with critically ill patients who have neglected chronic conditions or symptoms of heart disease or cancer.
WA Health Minister Roger Cook said Western Australians must try to stay healthy, which included seeing their GPs if they needed to.
“It is important that people keep their regular doctor’s appointment and maintain treatment regimes, particularly if they suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma,” Mr Cook explained.
“Looking after your mental health is also important at this time. The State Government’s ‘Be Positive. Be Connected. Be Active’ campaign focusses on self-care and wellbeing strategies and provides practical ways people can support each other.”