How we are handling the COVID-19 health issue.

IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ FROM DR DOYLE AND DR BLATT

WHAT IS OUR RESPONSE

At this time, Newcastle Urology has decided to limit patient traffic through the rooms in New Lambton Heights. Belmont and Dora Creek rooms. Our current protocol is to limit all face-to-face consultations unless essential. Unfortunately, we don’t have adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep our patients and staff adequately isolated and safe. We will be conducting telehealth consultations wherever possible. We have staggered appointment slots to reduce the number of patients concurrently in the rooms.

We will endeavour to consult all patients with cancer or progressive symptomatic disease with either face-to-face on telehealth appointments. However, patients for routine follow ups or for stable conditions will be deferred and we will put you on recall for appointments 6 months.

Our aim is to keep our patients, their families, staff and ourselves safe during this pandemic. There is no cause for panic, but a measured and sensible response to decrease the risks to all patients is required.

We thank you for your understanding.

Please revisit this page as we will update this page as the situation evolves around us.

I AM A NEW PATIENT WITH AN APPOINTMENT. WHAT WILL I DO?

All new patients to Newcastle Urology are asked to stay at home. You will receive a call during your allotted appointment time, to discuss your conditions and symptoms and go through all your urology history. Most recently obtained Radiology (within the last few years) will be accessed online. For cases requiring examination, this can be done at a later stage as required. If surgery is required, this will be discussed and planned on a case by case basis. You will not incur any out of pocket fee for this phone call. Please allow a small window for you to be called of 30 minutes, as there may be delay in calling at your exact appointment line.

I HAVE SEEN DR DOYLE OR DR BLATT AND AM SCHEDULED FOR REVIEW

I AM A PRE-OP PATIENT ABOUT TO BE OPERATED ON - WHAT DO I NEED TO DO

All pre-op patients with surgery in the next 6 weeks (and beyond depend on the climate) are advised to SELF ISOLATE starting immediately. This means, staying at home with your family. Avoiding social gatherings (including family get togethers, church, sporting events or training and any unnecessary social contact). This acts to protect you from being potentially infected, and therefore protects our staff, and all other patients. If you self isolate to the highest degree you can, the risk of spreading the corona virus is limited. Post operatively, we have instructed all our patients to self-isolate for at least 2 weeks post operatively or until atheist your post-operative review.

I HAVE BLOOD TESTS, XRAYS ETC ALREADY ORGANISED. WHAT DO I DO?

We have been advised by all the radiology and pathology companies that it is business as usual, but you will require an appointment for any x-ray, scans or blood tests where you might not have had to before. Please ring the relevant radiology and pathology companies to check what is required. Ensure that you are attending alone or with the minimum number of people. Ensure good hand hygiene after a touching any common areas such as door handles, pens etc. You will not need to wear a mask unless YOU are sick. When you arrive home wash your hands thoroughly with soap as the first thing as you do. Do not eat, touch your face, or help others without washing your hands.

I REALLY DO NEED TO PHYSICALLY SEE THE DOCTOR. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

If there is pressing issue or if you have a medical concern that you feels review, please call Newcastle Urology to arrange a time to be seen. If possible, any information that can be transmitted via email(such as photos of wounds) should be sent prior to attending.

I AM FROM MY RECENT SURGERY. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

As Dr Doyle and Dr Blatt advised, please self-isolate post operatively. Use this time to ice down, perform your exercises, and avoid going to social events, gatherings or leaving the home. Ensure that your visitors practice good hand hygiene, and limit visits to essential times only. If possible, order essential supplies online to avoid attending supermarkets.

I AM IN HOSPITAL. DO I NEED TO BE CONCERNED?

Each hospital has been instructed to treat patients with a high degree of caution with respect to unnecessary contact and precautions. Hand sanitiser and simple hand washing, gloves, masks, and eye protection are being utilised as necessary, in different circumstances, depending on the risk profile. Avoid unnecessary visitors and visitors are attending, practice good hand and face hygiene and avoid hand shaking and close contact. Preferably, ask your visitors to stay at home, or stay at least 2m away from you during their visit.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENT?

Before your appointment please fax or email any paperwork related to your appointment including your referral or test results. Our fax number is 02 49578811 and email reception@newcastleurology.com.au. If you do not have access to fax or email please contact our staff for further advice. Please be ready for a phone call at the time of your allotted appointment on the phone number you have provided to Newcastle Urology. We ask for your patience and understanding regarding the timing of the call. We endeavour to keep to times but we are new to this form of appointment as are you and there are occasionally unforeseen delays.