An open letter to Australia

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August 2021

Dear Fellow Australians,

Working together to keep you well,

The Continuity of Care Collaboration wants to remind everybody that while COVID-19 is taking centre stage, it’s important not to neglect other areas of your mental and physical health.

Some health services have changed how they operate during COVID-19 restrictions, but if you have a healthcare appointment coming up or have new symptoms you are worried about, it’s important not to delay getting help.

There are COVID-safe measures in place to continue to keep you safe.

Telehealth is now widely available, so you can access your healthcare professional through video chat or phone calls.

Pharmacies are still open, with pharmacists ready to provide advice as well as the medicines you need, and home delivery of medication can also be arranged.

Clinics and hospitals are continuing to practise safe distancing measures, regular cleaning and wearing of personal protective equipment.

For appointments that still need to be done face-to-face, such as scans and pathology tests, we encourage you to talk to your healthcare provider to find out the best option for you.

The Continuity of Care Collaboration is encouraging everyone in Australia to look after themselves and those they care about. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 when you’re eligible and getting a test if you have COVID-19 symptoms are vital, but during lockdown you are also permitted to leave home for other health needs.

Things are tough at the moment, but in Australia we can be proud of the dedication and resilience of our community, as well as the amazing work of our health services, as we continue doing all that we can to keep each other safe.

Your health matters, so please don’t delay; 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  www.continuityofcare.org 

Medicines Australia, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), Pathology Awareness Australia (PAA), Hearts4Heart, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), Hepatitis Australia, Mental Health Australia, Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA), Australian Patients Association, ausEE Inc, Bowel Cancer Australia, Musculoskeletal Australia (MSK)

 #dontwaitmate #getchecked #dontskiptests