Parkinson’s Victoria is closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation as it develops in Victoria. The information on this page was updated on 30 March 2020.

COVID-19 UPDATE: 30 MARCH 2020

The latest changes announced by the Prime Minister Scott Morrison last night (Sunday) relevant to people living with Parkinson’s.

Telehealth

Have you got an upcoming GP or specialist medical appointment?

Effective from 8am today (30 March), the Australian Government has expanded Medicare-subsidised telehealth services to provide continued access to essential primary health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This means you will be able to access bulk-billed telehealth consultations and not have to pay any out-of-pocket costs.

Among the services included are GP services and some consultation services provided by other medical specialists, nurse practitioners, mental health treatment, chronic disease management, services to patients in aged care facilities and after-hours consultations.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said expanding consultation services available by telehealth would limit unnecessary exposure of patients and health professionals to COVID-19, wherever treatment can be safely delivered by phone or videoconferencing.

At the same time, the Government has also taken measures to ensure medical practices stay open to provide face-to-face services essential for patients with conditions that can’t be treated through telehealth.

“One of things we don’t want to see during this pandemic is a reduction in services and support for people living with chronic health conditions such as Parkinson’s,” said Parkinson’s Victoria CEO Emma Collin.

“We welcome the move and new measures put in place to make sure people living with Parkinson’s can continue to access the care and medical services they need during this challenging time,” she said.

Contact your doctor or medical specialist to discuss the most appropriate course of care for you in light of this latest update.

Stay at home advice

People aged over 70 years and those with a chronic illness aged over 60 years, have now been “strongly advised” to self-isolate at home as much as practical to limit their interaction with others for their own protection.

This does not mean you cannot go outside. Instead the advice is to go outside accompanied by a support person for the purposes of getting some fresh air or for recreation, but to limit contact with others as much as possible.

If you do not have a support person who is able to help you with grocery shopping, you should contact your local MP, council or community organisation, such as Neighbourhood House, many of which are coordinating volunteer shoppers.

Check with your local pharmacy regarding medication deliveries.

If you need to talk to someone about how the changes are impacting you, or need information or advice on where to get assistance, remember, we are here to help.

Call our phone information line on 1800 644 189. Our phone is manned 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Leave a message after hours and we will return your call.