It’s OK to see your GP

It’s OK to see your GP

Now, more than ever, it’s important to keep your health and wellbeing on track. Your GP and health services are still there for you, so there’s no need to put off or miss medical appointments, or ignore symptoms during isolation. There are safe ways of getting all sorts of care, including:

• consultations
• vaccinations
• prescriptions.

Or someone else who helps look after your health and wellbeing.

You may be able to have a phone or video appointment, or even have your medicines delivered.

Face-to-face appointments will still be recommended in some cases, but they can be done safely. There are rules about social distancing (such as sitting a safe distance apart in the waiting room and during your consultation), and strict cleaning measures are also in place. You can do your bit by sticking to these rules, keeping your hands clean, and wearing a face mask if you’re asked to.

The best thing to do is just call your GP or usual health service and ask their advice. It’s important to phone first – don’t just show up.

If you don’t have a usual health care provider, you can search for one in this directory.

Your care team

Your health is important, and your GP and the rest of your care team are still there for you – even if things are done a bit differently at the moment.

Your care team might include your:

• GP
• nurse
• Aboriginal health worker
• pharmacist
• psychologist
• social worker
• diabetes educator
• dietitian
• physiotherapist
• or someone else who helps look after your health and wellbeing.

If you have a long-term health condition, it’s particularly important you don’t put off contacting your usual care provider if you’re due for a check-up, feeling sick, or have a flare-up that needs attention.

If you put off something that seems small now, you might end up with a bigger problem down the track.

Your mental health is also important.

Whether you have an ongoing mental illness or a new need for support – perhaps related to this pandemic – care is available for you.

After hours care

What if I need help after hours?

If you need to get medical advice but it’s the weekend or at night, don’t worry: after hours care is always there.

Call the healthdirect GP helpline on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse will talk to you about your symptoms. After hours, they may offer you a call back or a video call from a GP who can provide advice.

You can also visit the healthdirect website or download the healthdirect app to find health services near you that are open now.

Health emergencies

What if it’s an emergency?

Always call 000 (triple zero) if there’s a medical emergency.

If you need to go to a hospital emergency department, strict measures are in place to keep people safe from COVID-19.

Thank you to Primary Health Tasmania for kindly sharing concepts and content for this campaign.