Covid-19 Update- March

 

Auckland Breast Centre is still providing mammography, ultrasound, biopsy and specialist appointments. Our surgeons are still able to operate on patients with breast cancer.

Although we acknowledge that it may cause anxiety to delay or miss a mammogram, the risk to your health and life from delaying one mammogram is in fact extremely low. We wish to clarify that we will keep patients in our recall system, we will be in touch again when we can resume normal routine bookings.

Please contact one of our nurses or your GP if in the intervening period you develop a new symptom in your breast, such as:

- a new lump which is larger than marble and persists longer than 3 weeks

- nipple discharge which comes out without being squeezed and/or contains blood

- a new lump over a cancer scar or in your armpit

- you are anxious that something is wrong

You can call our team to discuss any concerns, Mon-Fri between 8 am and 5 pm on 09 488 9179

At Auckland Breast Centre we will be following safety protocols in all of our clinics until further notice.  

- Entry to clinics– Everyone must scan the COVID QR code or sign in on the paper register

- Support people– are not permitted unless there are exceptional circumstances (i.e. those with disabilities, interpreters)

- Face masks– please wear a face mask - our receptionists have spare masks available if required. ABC will permit patients claiming a medical exemption to enter without a face mask, provided there is written support. Patients with a mask exemption will be recommended to wear a visor for the duration of their visit. We appreciate your support in protecting our frontline workers.

- Reception "sneeze" guards– the reception screens are in place in our reception areas

- Contact tracing– QR code are available at our clinic entrances and we encourage you to use the "NZ COVID Tracer" app.  Please also turn on blue tooth in the app

 

Ministry of Health recommendations

Please follow some basic recommendations to help limit the spread of COVID-19

- continue stringent hand hygiene 

- sneeze and cough into your elbow

- if you or a family member are unwell stay home and contact Healthline (0800 358 5453) or your GP about getting a test

- practice physical distancing of two meters wherever possible

- you must wear a mask on public transport and it is recommended in public spaces 

For more information from the Ministry of Health, click here.

We appreciate that this a very challenging time for everyone.


For those living alone, working from home, wrangling small children while working from home and those on the front line, the effects of COVID-19 continue to be exhausting, daunting and even a little terrifying.


Over the past few months, our employees and patients have been sharing their favourite mindfulness and meditation apps, blogs and websites for dealing with the stress and isolation of COVID-19.


The following is a list of the most popular. The apps are all free so take a moment and have a look.

https://www.headspace.com/covid-19

https://blog.calm.com/take-a-deep-breath

https://www.justathought.co.nz/

https://giphy.com/embed/1xVc4s9oZrDhO9BOYt


And for the kids:

https://www.stopbreathethink.com/

https://www.smilingmind.com.au/

 

We have put together the following information to try and help answer some of your questions and concerns.


Q: Can I still bring support people with me to my treatment appointments:
A: For your own protection and that of other patients as well as our employees, you can bring one support person over 14 years, if you have a clinical need or require assistance, please let us know.


Q: What should I do if I don't feel well and believe my symptoms are similar to COVID-19?
A: Please contact us to reschedule your appointment and then get tested.


Q: What should I do if I have been in contact with someone who is a suspected case (ie is awaiting a test result), or a confirmed case including friends and family?
A: Please contact us to reschedule your appointment.

 
Q: What can I do to reduce my risk of catching COVID-19?
A: Maintaining good personal hygiene is our best protection, please continue to be vigilant:

- Regular hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds or more

- Use alcohol-based rubs/sanitizers (minimum of 60% alcohol)

- Coughing or sneezing into the crook of your arm or a disposable tissue

- Social distancing of 2 meters where possible

- Avoid handshakes, kissing, hugging and Hongi

Q: What happens if I am a confirmed case of COVID-19?
A: If you test positive for COVID-19 contact us to reschedule your appointment. Your safety is our top priority.



Q: I’m feeling anxious, who can I talk to?
A: If over the following days and weeks you feel you are not coping, it’s important to seek help and professional support. Your family doctor is a good starting point. For support with grief, anxiety, distress or mental wellbeing, you can also call or text 1737 Need to talk? This service is free, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and gives you the chance to talk it through with a trained counsellor.


We are constantly monitoring advice from the Ministry of Health as the situation continues to change. We will be updating our patients with specific advice as required.


Please continue to follow the recommendations from the Ministry or Health around self isolation, social distancing and good personal hygiene. 

For further information please visit the Ministry of Health Website

We wish you all the very best during these difficult times.

Arohanui,

The team at Auckland Breast Centre