By Ewen McRae
Djerriwarrh Health says it is well prepared should any cases of coronavirus arise locally.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic has proved an ongoing challenge for health services around the world, with Djerriwarrh staying in close contact with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the federal Department of Health since the first outbreak.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison last Thursday initiated Australia’s corononavirus emergency response plan, saying the risk of a global pandemic was “very much upon us”.
Djerriwarrh Health chief executive Belinda Scott said measures have been in place from day one, with additional preventative measures now in place should a case of the virus arise locally.
“Us, along with the other health services and general practices in Victoria, have been preparing for potential cases of coronavirus for some time now,” Ms Scott said.
“We’ve had regular advice and updates on the potential for spread, potential for new cases, what countries we need to be screening people from, and we’ve implemented all of the latest guidelines.
“We’ve put in place that suspected cases will be separated from other patients, and staff assessing them will wear protective equipment, and we’ve also got a big push to phone ahead before you come to seek treatment so we can get a thorough history and prevent a spread.”
No cases of coronavirus have been detected in Melton or Moorabool.
Djerriwarrh Health said most patients with suspected or confirmed cases of the virus can be isolated and managed at home, while severely ill patients or those with other series medical conditions or complications may need admission to hospital.
Ms Scott said prevention was one of the biggest weapons they had, and that similar measures to avoiding the flu were important for the community to observe.
“Preventative mechanisms are so important,” she said.
“Things like covering your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, put your tissue in the bin, wash your hands thoroughly, all the things we talk about during flu season are the best ways to protect yourself.
