Coronavirus in Ballarat: Doctors' call to take better care of health

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Victorian chairman Cameron Loy said there was a concerning drop in check-ups from routine issues to life-saving cancer screenings in the initial bout of stage three lockdowns.

Dr Loy is concerned this trend would re-emerge and wanted to assure this time, GPs were in a much better place for medical care this time about.

"The pandemic really came out of the blue and I think it really shook up our communities, our health services and GP clinics. Initially, and not surprisingly, a lot of patients didn't come to the doctors...It makes sense, we were all scared," Dr Loy said.

"We're not going to get out of this pandemic for some time. This pandemic is with us until there's a vaccine but treatment for other community health needs continues.

"...All those thing you normally do for health is so important. We have an excellent healthcare system in Victoria in getting seen early, it's effective and cheap.

"The things you do now protect your health in five or 10 years' time. That's the job of our healthcare system."

Chronic disease remains a key health issue for Ballarat, reinforced by coronary heart listed as the clear leading cause of death for Ballarat residents in Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data released on Friday.

Australian and international health experts have warned cardiovascular disease puts people who contract COVID-19 at a higher risk of hospitalisation.

Dr Loy said it was also important people monitor general health conditions like cholesterol, diabetes and kidney function, just as it was also vital to check-up anxiety and mood problems and "all other things people come to GPs for".

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RACGP was one of 26 medical bodies to sign an open letter to Victorians to take care of their health and check in with medical professionals in the next round of lockdowns. Under regional Victoria's stage three restrictions, people are permitted to leave home for medical care.

Dr Loy said Australia had the advantage of seeing how the pandemic was impacting the medical profession overseas and could quickly adjust to safe measures, like government rebates for telehealth and phone consultations, triaging appointments and shield across reception.

Face-to-face consults were available for certain cases.

He said early treatment, including for new mental health concerns, was vital to preventing negative ongoing effects. His key message was not to be scared as GPs were ready to help.

IN OTHER NEWS

Dear Victorians,

Healthcare does not stop for lockdown, we are here to keep you well

We know this year has been tough so far. The good news is lives have already been saved with COVID-19 restrictions and this can continue by following the latest health advice to slow the spread of the virus, and by continuing to look after our own health.

While we are focused on COVID-19, no one can afford to put off other areas of their own healthcare. Health issues do not stop when there is a pandemic - we want to avoid unnecessary illness, complications and hospitalisation for chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, asthma, mental health conditions and cancer. And the only way to do this is if patients keep up their regular healthcare appointments.

Remember, there are four reasons that people in areas under Stage 3 restrictions can leave home; healthcare is one of them.

While we continue to take the necessary precautions to protect our wider community against COVID-19, it's important to also look after the other aspects of our mental and physical health. We want to reassure Victorians that your healthcare services remain open and ready to support you.

Many people may have already missed out on a healthcare appointment, either for new symptoms or a check-up for an existing issue. Please do not delay any further. Even before COVID-19 restrictions, we were concerned about the low numbers of people getting cancer screening tests. We are already working to improve early detection and monitoring of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and asthma and to reduce the number of undiagnosed cases. We don't want COVID-19 to make these problems worse.

The same goes for mental health. We know that since the pandemic hit, higher levels of anxiety and psychological distress have been reported in the general population. Anyone experiencing mental health symptoms should seek help, whether you are managing an existing condition, or the symptoms are new.

As we have been in lockdown before healthcare services have adapted to make it easier for you to access the care you need.

Accessing care from your general practice team, and other health professionals is easier than ever, with video chat and telephone consultations available - as well as safe in-person consultations for those who need them. Pharmacies are still open in locked down areas with pharmacists ready and able to provide advice as well as the medicines you need, and home delivery of medication can also be arranged.

Remember, health services are open to see you face to face and it remains safe to visit in person when you need to, with infection prevention measures, hygiene and social distancing in place. So, if you or someone you care for is putting off a visit to your GP, nurse, an allied health professional or a pathology test - it's time to get the care you need. Don't delay, it could save your life.

We understand you may be feeling worried and have questions about how you can access healthcare safely; we encourage you to talk to your healthcare providers and ask those questions.

So please get in touch, make that call, and if you need an appointment, book one today. We're here to support you and help keep you well.

Signed by:

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, The Pharmacy Guild, The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association, Allied Health Professions Australia, Asthma Australia, The Heart Foundation, Diabetes Australia, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation, Consumers Health Forum, Pathology Awareness Australia, National Rural Health Alliance, Medicines Australia, Patient Voice Initiative, Jean Hailes Foundation, Australian Diabetes Educators Association, Medical Technology Association of Australia, Australian Patients Association, Pathology Technology Australia, Australian Clinical Trials Alliance, Epilepsy Action Australia, Immune Deficiencies Foundation Australia, ausEE

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