Lotus Family Clinic Covid 19 Information
Jul 27, 2021

As mandated by the state govt and DHHS when attending the clinic please:

  • Check in via QR code or manually at the counter
  • Answer screening questions
  • Have your temperature check
  • Wear a mask at all times
  • Use hand sanitiser
  • Stay 1.5metres away from other people
  • Limit the number of attendees to only those who are required to be seen by the doctor


It is vitally important that you inform us at the time of making your booking, If you and your family have any cold or flu like symptoms, no matter how mild they may be (e.g. fever, cough, running nose, sore throat, difficulty breathing or loss of sense of smell or taste) so we can make suitable arrangement.


OR


If you have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, or if you have been to a listed COVID-19 exposure site, or you are waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test


Alternatively call the Department of Health and Human Services dedicated hotline on 1800 675 398.



Prevention is the best protection

To prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Maintain a safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
  • Wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible.
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  • Stay home if you feel unwell.
  • If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.


Calling in advance allows us to quickly direct you to provide you appropriate care. This protects you, and prevents the spread of viruses and other infections.


Manifestations of Covid 19:

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.


Most common symptoms:

  • fever
  • dry cough
  • tiredness


Less common symptoms:

  • aches and pains
  • sore throat
  • diarrhoea
  • conjunctivitis
  • headache
  • loss of taste or smell
  • a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes


Serious symptoms:

  • difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • chest pain or pressure
  • loss of speech or movement


Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility.


People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home.


On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days. Currently, it seems the elderly, people with a chronic disease (such as diabetes, chronic lung disease, kidney failure or people who are immuno-compromised) may be at a higher risk of developing a serious case of COVID-19.


Isolation

In some situations, you must isolate yourself, even if you have no symptoms. These situations include:

  • if you have COVID-19
  • you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19
  • you are awaiting results of a COVID-19 test
  • you have symptoms of a respiratory illness and you are waiting for an appointment to be tested for COVID-19.


Contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 675 398 for advice about self-isolation If you develop symptoms, you may leave home to seek medical care, but please ensure you call before visiting your doctor or hospital emergency department and that you let them know about your symptoms or situation.


While the annual flu vaccine does not protect against Coronavirus (COVID-19), it is recommended that everyone receive the influenza vaccine, from May onwards, for protection against the regular flu.


Useful websites: www.health.vic.gov.au | www.healthdirect.gov.au

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A medical clinic in Ballarat has been recognised for its outstanding efforts in protecting vulnerable community members from COVID-19. Lotus Family Clinic is one of thirteen general practices awarded an In-Home COVID-19 Vaccinations for Vulnerable Populations Grant by Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) to deliver a home in-reach COVID-19 vaccination service. Funded by the Commonwealth Government, the grants aim to increase vaccination uptake among hard-to-reach communities. Since Lotus Family Clinic commenced homebound vaccination delivery in November 2021, the Delacombe practice has administered 237 homebound COVID-19 vaccinations to vulnerable community members in Ballarat. The clinic is responsible for over two thirds of the 347 in-home vaccinations delivered to vulnerable populations in the Ballarat region, and over 10 per cent of all homebound COVID-19 vaccinations coordinated on a national level. The team at Lotus Family Clinic leading the way for COVID-19 in-home vaccinations in Ballarat. Pictured: Melissa Connolly, Dr Sachin Dahiya, Dr Jordan Mayston, Rebecca Kelly-Broadbent, Alison Lindsay and Amy Borain of Lotus Family Clinic. Speaking on Lotus Family Clinic’s involvement in the program, Dr Sachin Dahiya said his practice was pleased to participate in the in-home vaccination program to ensure at-risk individuals in Ballarat had access to vaccinations that protected them from COVID-19. “The Home Vaccination Program is a great initiative to provide vaccinations to vulnerable populations who cannot leave home to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, like the frail and elderly in residential care and people living with a disability or a mental health condition. As a healthcare provider we took this opportunity to work and support Western Victoria Primary Health Network, the staff of Lotus, and residential and aged care staff to provide COVID-19 vaccinations and help our community to achieve fully vaccinated status in timely manner.” Dr Dahiya said. WVPHN Chief Executive Officer, Rowena Clift said the work of Lotus Family Clinic through the In-Home COVID-19 Vaccination Program highlighted the importance of localised services that directly respond to health care needs. Ms Clift said: “We acknowledge Lotus Family Clinic and their tremendous efforts in helping vulnerable community members access COVID-19 vaccination through their in-home service. Dr Dahiya and his team have significantly increased vaccination uptake among communities in Ballarat who would have otherwise experienced difficulty obtaining a COVID-19 vaccination.” “Primary care plays an integral role in preventative health care and WVPHN is pleased to have such a dedicated primary care workforce working alongside us to improve health outcomes for the people of western Victoria.” Ms Clift said. Groups eligible for in-home vaccination through WVPHN’s In-Home Vaccination Program include elderly or frail community members and to those with a disability who are unable to leave home. Individuals experiencing homelessness, culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities who may find it difficult to use mainstream services, and people in rural and remote areas with limited healthcare options are also eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccinations through the in-home vaccinating service. The In-Home Vaccination Program is running across the WVPHN catchment and has been extended until 30 June 2022. A list of participating clinics can be found on the Western Victoria COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics webpage . 
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