COVID-19 Updates for General Practice - Testing Advice for Suspected Cases 15 Mar 2020
Advice to general practice on the assessment and investigation of people presenting with suspected COVID-19
Advice to general practice on the assessment and investigation of people presenting with suspected COVID-19
The following advice is based upon information provided by the Ministry of Health. As information is constantly changing we are providing links to the Ministry of Health website rather than repeating content here.
Case Definition
Countries or areas of concern
Updated Advice for Health Professionals
In order to meet the anticipated increased demand for testing for COIVD-19 the BOPDHB is establishing a small number of dedicated testing sites. These are located so as to give access across the whole district. The number and scale of the sites will be increased as required.
It is no longer necessary to speak to an ID physician or the Medical Officer of Health in order to get approval of COVID-19 testing. Please be aware of the case criteria so that we use our testing capacity sensibly.
The testing sites that will be available from 10am Monday 16th March are:
- Chadwick Healthcare Greerton
- Med Central Whakatane
- Waihi Beach Medical Centre
- Te Kaha Medical Centre
- Murupara Medical Centre
Chadwick will act as the place of referral for general practice in WBOP and Med Central for EBOP. We are in conversation with other practices to bring them on-line on Wednesday.
Please refer to the updated flow chart for how to manage cases presenting to general practice whether by phone or in person.
When a physical assessment is required the following PPE instructions should be followed by the assessing clinician (click here for a video). The patient should also be wearing a mask.
If you have uncertainty regarding testing please discuss with the ID physician on-call. If a patient requires hospital level care they should be referred via the ID SMO.
Please remember, at present the majority of acute presentation at the moment will not be caused by COVID-19. Continue to use your expertise to consider all potential causes of the illness and treat appropriately.
Discussions will be on-going this week to prepare for the roll out of Community Based Assessment Centres. More details will be provided as the plans are drawn up.