Jenny Mikakos has urged Victorians to keep their health in check during the coronavirus pandemic by continuing to seek medical treatment and general healthcare checks.
Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos today visited Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, which reported a fall in referrals of up to 40 per cent at the start of the pandemic, as potentially unwell people delay visiting their doctor or going to hospital.
The health minister warns that putting off a visit to the doctor or hospital after experiencing any lumps or unusual symptoms, could lead to more severe illness and added strain on hospitals’ critical and intensive care resources.
“Whether it’s a regular screening appointment or you have a concerning symptom, coronavirus shouldn’t put you off seeking treatment for any health concerns,” Jenny Mikakos said in a statement.
“Our hospitals and GP clinics are open and ready to help all patients, with the strictest infection control guidelines to keep everyone safe.”
Many hospitals and GPs are offering telehealth appointments for both check-ups and ongoing conditions, to ensure more vulnerable groups have access to healthcare when they need it.
“Telehealth is an extremely important tool in the fight against coronavirus – allowing patients to receive the very best care from the comfort of their home, while keeping doctors and medical staff safe.”
Before the coronavirus pandemic, telehealth was widely used in regional and rural Victoria to help people living in remote locations get the care they needed without driving long distances. It’s now become a vital tool across the state – protecting doctors and their patients from the virus and removing wait times to see a doctor in person.
Cancer screening programs also continue to operate throughout Victoria, with strict infection control measures in place to make sure staff and patients are safe.
