Update for patients – 28 July 2020

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As Melbourne experiences a concerning number of Coronavirus cases, the GPs and staff at Blackburn Specialist Centre are committed to continue serving our community through this time.
Telehealth remains our preferred first option for contact. Many medical needs can be well served by this process.
We remain open for face-to-face consults for those issues that clearly require this, e.g., dressings, wounds, procedures. Obviously, detailed examination is also required for many symptoms. This will be arranged if necessary, after an initial telehealth consultation.
Examinations and procedures cannot, by definition, be done at the 1.5m suggested spacing. Our clinical staff and receptionists will be wearing masks. This is now a compulsory requirement for staff and patients.
We will defer some of our Preventative Health Care Programs such as the Over 75 Health Assessments until the current situation settles.
Patients with respiratory symptoms who require an examination will continue to be seen by our GP and nurse, wearing full PPE, in our Carpark Clinic.

If you have:

  • a fever; or
  • sore throat; or
  • runny nose; or
  • cough; or
  • loss of taste or sense of smell,
    please seek a COVID-19 test (see our home page for a link to DHHS testing sites), then isolate at home until your result is known and you are well.

As there are many other suitable sites for having a COVID test, we will continue to focus on our assessment of respiratory patients and other routine matters and, as such, we do NOT offer COVID testing.
Flu boosters are in stock and are a consideration especially for our over 65s and those with higher risk conditions whose immunity from the first injection may be reducing. Please call the Clinic to book in for this.

Finally, in this new phase of the Coronavirus Pandemic, extra vigilance is required. Please continue to adhere to:

  • social distancing
  • regular hand washing
  • good cough etiquette
  • and wear a mask whenever you are not at home.

However, please also remember that your health is about a lot more than Coronavirus. Adherence to preventative activities, prompt reporting of concerning symptoms and receiving emotional support and advice are more important now than ever.
With all this in mind, stay safe and please remember that we are here for you.

Peter Lovass
Managing Principal.