Alana Richards
In this climate of COVID-19 and pending flu season, we are all doing our best to protect ourselves from infection and stay as healthy as possible.
Medical information and advise can sometimes feel like it’s changing daily. Lake Imaging offers some helpful information for people in regards to imaging during the COVID-19 crisis.
Radiology saves lives
Radiology is an essential tool when it comes to diagnosing illness. Irrespective of the current COVID-19 pandemic, there are many people in the community who still require imaging for tumours, sporting injuries, pregnancy ultrasounds and dental imaging, to name a few.
Oncology patients suffering from cancers require important scans and are particularly vulnerable. They are deeply impacted by the challenges this virus is presenting when it comes to safely entering medical waiting areas.
Radiologist Dr Anthony French says: “The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges to the way we practise medicine. It has required that we continually develop, implement and adapt new ways of providing care in an environment that continues to evolve and change day-to-day. Foremost in our minds has been the wellbeing and safety of our staff, patients and the broader community.
“Radiology is a crucial part of modern medicine and despite COVID-19, many people continue to require our involvement in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of their medical conditions. We are committed to providing imaging to our patients and I am delighted with the manner in which our staff have committed to caring for patient needs whilst at the forefront of this pandemic.”
Open to all
It is imperative that patients still receive imaging if they need it. If you are not medically affected by COVID-19 and not classified ‘high-risk’, you are encouraged to keep your appointment and not to cancel or reschedule if feasible. In fact, now is the best time to attend a Lake Imaging clinic for scanning – before the flu season really sets in.
Ensuring clinic environments are safe
As a local healthcare provider, Lake Imaging’s radiology team is working closely with the Melbourne community of medical practitioners and is very much committed to playing its part in supporting patients.
Patients may have noticed that some smaller clinics have temporarily closed, this is to safeguard both patients and staff by centralising services to main clinics and minimising the spread of coronavirus in the community. Melton, Sunbury, Kyneton and Bacchus Marsh clinics remain open for patients requiring imaging. All patients are COVID screened over the phone when booking an appointment.
Lake Imaging general manager Daniel Hilbert, says Lake Imaging remains committed to supporting communities across the west by providing quality care, compassion and service to everyone.
“Our primary focus is to provide a safe environment for all our patients and employees,“ Daniel says. “We take this responsibility seriously. We are following Department of Health guidelines and taking all necessary precautions to protect against COVID-19.
“We will continue to provide high quality diagnostic imaging and patient care to our valued communities. We are offering bulk-billing to patients that have a government-issued concession card for all services that are Medicare eligible for a rebate.”
Lake Imaging has 19 radiology clinics throughout Victoria. Patients concerned about attending during the coronavirus pandemic are encouraged to phone their nearest clinic for advice or to visit the website for up-to-date information.
Lake Imaging, 103 Unitt Street, Melton. Opens 8.30am-6pm Monday-Friday. Inquiries: 9747 4800 or www.lakeimaging.com.au
