17 Mar COVID-19 Update
As COVID-19 spreads at a rapid pace we want to provide you with an update on how we at The DOC Clinic are addressing this unprecedented challenge. Dr Ed is in constant close consultation with the Victorian Department of Health & Human Services, and Medical Advisory Groups, to ensure we are informed and following current health directives and safety measures pertaining to this current pandemic.
We want to reassure you that we are taking the utmost care to protect our small team, our patients and communities. We have implemented the following health and safety strategies effective immediately:
- Safe distancing from another person.
- This is thought to be at least 1.5 metres.
- During this time, we will eliminate close contact as much as possible.
- We are staggering appointments.
- There will be no more than two persons in the waiting room at a time (seated at a distance greater than 1.5 metres from each other), in addition to our Receptionist (who will remain behind the Reception Desk).
- This is for everyone’s protection.
At the time of your appointment, we ask that you come alone. Visitors, family or friends are not to accompany you to your appointment. If they drive with you, they are to remain in their car in the car park only. If you have children, please find care for them as we cannot accommodate anyone else in the waiting room or treatment room during this time. We are happy to reschedule your appointment if needed.
We ask that you please wash your hands as soon as you arrive. Please do not touch your face or put your hands or fingers in or near your nose or mouth. Wash your hands again before you leave. Proper washing requires soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds.
Cover your sneeze or cough. The safest way to do this is to sneeze or cough into your elbow, then immediately wash your hands and preferably change your shirt. If you use a tissue, throw it away immediately after use and wash your hands again. Do not reuse the tissue!
Handshakes will also return once this is all over. In the meantime, we will continue to warmly welcome you with a smile and a nod of our heads.
Being a small boutique cosmetic medical clinic, we are fortunate that our patients who attend our clinic are well patients seeking elective procedures (non-essential procedures). We are not a GP Clinic with a waiting room full of unwell patients. We also have a large car park and open space entry to our clinic. You do not need to enter a shopping centre or busy medical facility to gain entry to our clinic.
We also have a maximum of two Practitioners practising at any one time in our clinic. Dr Ed Omarjee (Cosmetic Physician) works alone at the clinic on a Monday, Tuesday and Saturday. Dr Ed in addition to being a Cosmetic Physician, was for some 12 years a highly regarded GP and a Locum Emergency Doctor at large regional hospitals (he is also a current Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners). He has the medical skills and experience to detect an unwell patient, and he will assess your health prior to proceeding with any treatment and can refer you to seek further medical attention if deemed necessary.
Ash (our Dermal Clinician) works alone on a Wednesday.
Why are we telling you this?
Because as a Cosmetic Medical Clinic in an over saturated market, this is our point of difference that sets us apart from many of our competitors. All these factors should reassure you because they allow us to have close control and monitoring of safety and hygiene measures during this extraordinary time we are experiencing. We want to reassure you that your health and safety is our priority, as well as that of our Team, while we continue to attend to your cosmetic and skin treatments.
Extra hygiene precautions being taken at The DOC Clinic are:
- All treatment rooms, treatment beds and common areas are being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before and after each patient visit.
- An alcohol wipe will be handed to all Patients to wipe over the EFTPOS machine prior to inserting a card and keying PIN number.
- We have stopped using all linens. Disposal paper linen is being used where possible.
- All staff will wash their hands before and after each patient contact according to current Department of Health guidelines and will also use hand sanitiser liberally and often, when available.
- Physical contact will be limited as much as possible between Practitioner and Patient.
- Dr Ed will wear gloves during treatment for your protection.
- Any staff member that feels ill, has a cough, fever or shortness of breath will stay home.
Should you wish to cancel or reschedule your appointment for any reason, be assured that we understand and will waive any cancellation fees. We are contactable 24 hours a day on 90216022 or via email info@thedoc.com.au should you need us; we are here for you.
We send our support to any affected patients and their family and ask you to take the precautions you need to stay healthy. We sincerely thank you for your continuous support and loyalty of our small business during these uncertain times.
Dr Ed Omarjee
Medical Director, Owner
Kylie
Practice Manager
Marg & Carlie
Medical Receptionist