John Fawkner Private Hospital urges community not to ignore their health

3 June 2020

As Victoria’s COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease, John Fawkner Private Hospital is encouraging Moreland residents not to neglect their own health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

John Fawkner Private Hospital General Manager Mr David Hoy said Australians have done an outstanding job maintaining social distancing and dramatically reducing the spread of COVID-19, but he warned that it is still vital that people seek medical advice and treatment should a health concern arise.

“Despite some recent lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, we are still seeing a drop-off in the number of people presenting at our Emergency Department for treatment, a trend also noted among GPs and allied health professionals,” Mr Hoy said.

“During April and May, overall admissions to John Fawkner’s Emergency Department were down by 20 per cent. And most concerningly, cardiology admissions were down 46 per cent over the same period, meaning people may be ignoring potentially dangerous chest pain symptoms.

“Based on feedback from those patients who do present, we think that the trend is driven by two factors – either not wanting to be a burden on the health system in these unprecedented times, or having concerns about coming to hospital during the current environment.”

Mr Hoy said that, while understandable, neither were reasons to ignore or postpone seeking medical attention for what may be a critical undiagnosed health issue.

“All too often we see individuals present at our emergency department with a complaint that, had it been ignored, might have led to serious longer-term repercussions.

“And as we mark World Heart Rhythm Week, I would especially encourage people to take any form of chest pain or discomfort seriously, and seek medical advice straight away.”

Mr Hoy advised that John Fawkner Private Hospital had taken a number of steps to protect patients, staff, doctors and visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are conducting patient screening and temperature checks on everyone who presents at our emergency department. We have also implemented strict social distancing protocols throughout the hospital in line with health authority advice. 

“We urge anyone who may be putting off seeking medical advice or treatment, please contact your appropriate health professional, and if it’s an immediate concern, John Fawkner Private Hospital Emergency Department is open and here for your care.”