At Familywise Medical Practice, we’re committed to caring for and supporting our patients during the coronavirus pandemic.

It is important for patients to continue with their usual health check-ups, procedures and immunisations. We are open 7 days to provide healthcare to individuals and families via telehealth (phone or video) consultation or face to face appointments.

What is Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses which cause respiratory tract infections. Other coronaviruses include Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The severity of novel coronavirus infection can vary from very mild to severe, life-threatening illness. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, tiredness and difficulty breathing.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new form of coronavirus. It was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan City in China.

Symptoms of COVID-19

Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly. People with coronavirus may experience symptoms such as:

Symptoms of COVID-19

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Sore throat

Other symptoms can include runny nose, headache, muscle or joint pains, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of sense of smell, altered sense of taste, loss of appetite and fatigue.

Identifying Common cold, Influenza or COVID-19

What should I do if I have symptoms of COVID-19?

If you are concerned you may have COVID-19:

• use the symptom checker
• see how to seek medical attention
• see more about testing
• Immediately isolate yourself “stay at home”
• If you are having a medical emergency call 000

Protect yourself and others

Everyone must do the following things to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect those who are most at risk.

See important advice on:

• good hygiene
• physical distancing
• public gatherings
• isolation

Advice for people most at risk

See more information and advice for people most at risk, including:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and remote communities

• older people
• people in aged care facilities
• people with chronic conditions
• people with disability
• travellers

Why it’s important to look after your mental health during COVID-19

Our ongoing support during coronavirus (COVID-19) section has advice on how you can stay healthy during COVID-19 restrictions. It’s important that you still:

• get your usual medicines
• see your doctor for everyday health issues
• eat healthily
• maintain your mental health
• exercise and stay active

Looking after your mental health during coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions

Our nation is winning the war against COVID-19 infections, but it’s taking a toll on other parts of people’s lives, including their mental health. The very measures that have been protecting Australians and flattening the curve — social distancing, quarantine, self-isolation, staying at home — have increased anxiety, stress and loneliness in some people.

States and territories are starting to wind back social distancing restrictions, which should bring people together and help boost mental wellbeing. But life isn’t back to normal yet. If you are concerned about any mental health getting help is vital.

Take advantage of telehealth

Mental health consultations are now being done through telehealth. Telehealth usually involves talking to a health professional on a video-call app or over the phone. Our practice has remained open to caring for and supporting our patients during the coronavirus pandemic. Please call us on 8604 2338 or book online if you need to speak to a doctor about your mental health.

 Need to talk to someone now?

You don’t need to book an appointment if you need help urgently, or just want to chat with a trained mental health professional. There are many free services and helplines available.

• Lifeline offers free telephone counselling (24 hours a day), online support (7:00 pm-midnight) and text support (6 pm-midnight). Call 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.

• Beyond Blue offers free telephone counselling (24 hours a day) and online support (3:00 pm-midnight). Call 1300 22 4636 or visit beyondblue.org.au.

• Children and young adults (up to age 25) can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 to speak with a counsellor or chat on the web (in real-time), 24 hours a day.

• Suicide Call Back Service provides free 24-hour phone, video and online counselling. Call 1300 659 467 or visit suicidecallbackservice.org.au.

Use of masks by the public in the community

Wondering if you need a face covering? If you live in a COVID-19 hotspot and leave home for an essential reason, you may have to wear a cloth or surgical mask.

Learn more about masks

NSW Health Coronavirus page

https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/04/coronavirus-covid-19-identifying-the-symptoms.pdf

https://preview.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

Federal Government Coronavirus page

https://www.health.gov.au

National Coronavirus Helpline – 1800 020 080

COVID Clinics Western Sydney

Blacktown Hospital
18 Blacktown Road, Blacktown, NSW 2148
Open: 7 am to 11 pm, 7 days

The Children’s Hospital at Westmead
Corner of Hawkesbury Road and Hainsworth Street, Westmead, NSW 2145
Open: 10 am to 8 pm, 7 days
Please note this COVID19 Assessment Clinic is for children and their accompanying parents/carers

Westmead Hospital
Level 2, E Block, Corner of Hawkesbury Road and Darcy Road, Westmead, NSW 2145
Open: 7 am to 9 pm, 7 days

Castle Hill Respiratory Clinic 
Level 1, Castle Mall, 4-16 Terminus Street, Castle Hill, NSW, 2154
Open: 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday

Blacktown Hospital
18 Blacktown Road, Blacktown, NSW 2148
Open: 7 am to 11 pm, 7 days

Blacktown Respiratory Clinic
36 Kildare Road, Blacktown, NSW 2148
The clinic is in cabins behind the existing medical centre
Open: 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday
8 am to 4 pm, Saturday to Sunday