Local doctors have joined forces to urge the community not to neglect their general health during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The move comes in the wake of a health consumer survey which found almost one in three people missed their appointments with a GP since the start of the pandemic.
Launching the joint South Western Sydney Primary Health Network and South Western Sydney Local Health District campaign this month, local GPs and emergency doctors are urging the community to continue to have regular check-ups, have blood tests and fill prescriptions for chronic conditions, get flu vaccinations and book cancer screenings.
Elderslie GP Matthew Gray, pictured below, says patients should not delay seeking medical care.
“Now more than ever it’s vitally important for your health and wellbeing to seek care if you need it,” he said.
“As GPs, we can help you with short-term problems and chronic conditions. Getting to know you is what we as GPs do, so we can care for you your entire life.
“Your health is important to us – please don’t delay seeking treatment,” Dr Gray said.
The survey of 729 people was conducted by the Continuity of Care Collaboration, a national communication collaboration of 15 peak bodies, industry and healthcare organisations. It found 32 per cent of respondents had missed appointments with their GP during the pandemic.
The survey found 36 per cent of people were worried about taking public transport to appointments; 36 per cent were worried health services were too busy; 31 per cent did not feel safe visiting healthcare services in person; 28 per cent found telehealth could be difficult to use due to technology or poor access to internet/phone; and 23 per cent were worried they could be breaking lockdown rules.
Bowral GP Jo Senior said doctors knew how to keep their practices safe.
“Your health is important to us and every GP is taking steps to provide you with safe medical care,” she said.
“We want you to continue to come and visit us or talk to us over the phone, especially if you have a chronic disease like diabetes or heart disease. With telephone and telehealth consultations available it’s never been easier to stay in touch with your GP.
“It’s also really important that you continue to fill your prescriptions.
“If you’re feeling unwell the first place to call is your GP.”
Visit the SWSPHN website for community information about Covid-19:
