Subiaco Plastic Surgery – Surgery and COVID-19 Protection
COVID-19 update - Subiaco Plastic Surgery is taking many steps to protect you and my staff and anaesthetist;
- We are following government prioritisation and restrictions on hospital care and surgery
- We protect those patients seen face-to-face - with social distancing, strict hygiene measures, patient screening and protective screens
- Our appointment times have been restricted and spread out
- We are providing quality aftercare for patients – with strict infection control measures
- We are also offering telephone and cyber consultations for current and new patients. To organise this please phone 08 9381 6977 or message from our website
Join us on our Instagram and Facebook @DrLewisB and we will keep you up to date on how we are helping keep a lid on the virus and also provide updates on operating theatre availability.
Join us in social distancing and excellent hygiene and help keep a lid on the COVID-19 virus
The Latest Update
*elective surgery restarting at private hospitals - March 2022
Call 08 9381 6977 to make your booking
COVID-19 - Private hospitals will resume day surgeries and surgery requiring a single night stay from Wednesday March 23, 2022 after WA Health reviewed the pause on performing certain surgeries. The planned pause was to assist with WA's COVID -19 response.
SURGERY - WA's Chief Health Officer (who advises the State Government on COVID-19 restrictions) has determined that day and single night stay Category 3 and non-urgent category 2 surgeries can restart at private hospitals.
This is due to Western Australia's world-leading vaccination rates keeping COVID hospitalisations down.
*If you had surgery booked for March and April 2022 and it was delayed due to expected COVID-19 restrictions, we will be in contact with you to discuss the impact of the restarting of elective surgery. If you have any questions pls phone on 08 9381 6977.
We apologise to those patients who unfortunately might have to have their procedure rescheduled. We understand how this impacts on you and your families. We will be closely liaising with you regarding this.
CONSULTATION APPOINTMENTS - Remember to wear a face mask to your appointment and ensure strict social distancing and hand hygiene. Despite changes elsewhere, we are following hospital protective guidelines and will continue to require masks to be worn in the rooms.
If you or any of your relatives or friends living with you are awaiting a COVID test result or are feeling unwell, pls phone and cancel your appointment.
If your surgery or appointment was delayed or rescheduled, we may have already contacted you to discuss the impact. If you have any questions pls phone on 08 9381 6977.
COVID-19 Vaccinations and elective cosmetic surgery
Since it is important to schedule the timing of vaccination and surgery, it is important that you discuss this with your Plastic Surgeon.
The Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), the peak body for Specialist Plastic Surgeons who practice Cosmetic Surgery in Australia and New Zealand, issued a statement on 24th February, 2021 advising ASAPS members who are all registered Specialist Plastic Surgeons. The advice issued by ASAPS to its members was based on best practice guidelines issued by the Royal College of Surgeons of the UK and the Mayo Clinic, USA and widely adopted by the NHS of the UK.
GUIDELINES FOR COSMETIC SURGERY AND COVID VACCINATION
- An Elective Cosmetic Surgery procedure is not a contraindication to routine COVID vaccination
- It is recommended that the date of surgery is separated from the date of vaccination by at least one week
- This separation is helpful to attribute symptoms such as fever or systemic symptoms to either the surgical procedure or vaccination
- If an individual is acutely unwell following elective Plastic Surgery, the COVID vaccination should be delayed till the patient recovers fully
- If an individual is acutely unwell following the COVID vaccination, elective Plastic Surgery should be delayed till the patient recovers fully
Which patients are having surgery right now ?
Private hospitals will resume day surgeries and surgery requiring a single night stay from Wednesday March 23, 2022 after WA Health reviewed the pause on performing certain surgeries. The planned pause was to assist with WA's COVID -19 response.
WA's Chief Health Officer (who advises the State Government on COVID-19 restrictions) has determined that day and single night stay Category 3 and non-urgent category 2 surgeries can restart at private hospitals.
This is due to Western Australia's world-leading vaccination rates keeping COVID hospitalisations down.
I currently have a large number of patients who have been waiting for their surgical procedures. Some of these patients had their procedures delayed due to earlier pandemic restrictions and lockdowns. These patients will be given as much priority as possible in the coming months, and we will be liaising with these patients directly, to try to find a suitable time for their operation.
For ALL patients, if you have any queries about this, or if you need more information about your operation, please phone my amazingly supportive office staff on 08 9381 6977, and they will be very happy to help you.
Q and A
The coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been detected in people before.
The virus was initially known as the ‘Novel Coronavirus (nCoV-2019)’, but it’s now officially named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
The disease caused by this virus is called COVID-19.
A coronavirus is a type of virus that commonly infects animals and humans. Some transmit easily from person to person, while others don’t.
There are many different strains of coronavirus. For example, a couple of coronaviruses cause the common cold, but other coronaviruses can cause more serious infections such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS).
The virus was initially known as the ‘Novel Coronavirus (nCoV-2019)’, but it’s now officially named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
The disease caused by this virus is called COVID-19.
A coronavirus is a type of virus that commonly infects animals and humans. Some transmit easily from person to person, while others don’t.
There are many different strains of coronavirus. For example, a couple of coronaviruses cause the common cold, but other coronaviruses can cause more serious infections such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS).
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
COVID-19 can cause a range of symptoms, which can be mild, moderate or severe.
Pls check the WA Health Department website for the most up to date symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms include:
Pls check the WA Health Department website for the most up to date symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms include:
- fever or recent history of fever (night sweats, chills)
- Respiratory symptoms, including coughing or runny nose
- shortness of breath
- sore throat
- acute loss of smell or taste
How severe is COVID-19?
The virus can cause a range of symptoms, including pneumonia, and sometimes it may have no symptoms at all.
People at most risk of serious infection include:
People at most risk of serious infection include:
- those with compromised immune systems
- elderly people
- people with diagnosed chronic medical conditions (e.g. lung conditions)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who have higher rates of chronic illness
- babies and very young children
Why is elective surgery restricted?
Limiting elective (non-emergency) surgery helps WA to free up hospital beds and preserve face masks and other vital personal protective equipment needed.
Restrictions limiting elective (non-emergency) surgery increase hospital capacity and provides the opportunity for specific COVID-19 training for staff. It also allows the redeployment of staff to key areas and increases overall preparedness in both public and private hospitals.
Limiting elective (non-emergency) surgery helps WA to free up hospital beds and preserve face masks and other vital personal protective equipment needed.
Restrictions limiting elective (non-emergency) surgery increase hospital capacity and provides the opportunity for specific COVID-19 training for staff. It also allows the redeployment of staff to key areas and increases overall preparedness in both public and private hospitals.
WhAT SURGERY can be done right NOW, DURING THE PANDEMIC?
Private hospitals will resume day surgeries and surgery requiring a single night stay from Wednesday March 23, 2022 after WA Health reviewed the pause on performing certain surgeries. The planned pause was to assist with WA's COVID -19 response
ARE operating theatres running at full capacity?
WA's Chief Health Officer (who advises the State Government on COVID-19 restrictions) has determined that day and single night stay Category 3 and non-urgent category 2 surgeries can restart at private hospitals.
This is due to Western Australia's world-leading vaccination rates keeping COVID hospitalisations down.
We are in constant contact with the WA Health Department and the hospitals and will be alerted immediately if there are any changes. Our staff will then keep you informed and updated.
- How CAN I check the Date of my surgery?
Our Subiaco Plastic Surgery staff are working through the pandemic. They will keep in touch with you, answer all your questions and alert you if there are any changes to operating theatre availability.
How will Subiaco Plastic Surgery support me ?
Dr Blennerhassett and our Subiaco Plastic Surgery staff will be on hand to support you during the pandemic, answer all your questions, address your concerns and check on your bookings for future surgery.
During periods of high COVID cases, Dr Blennerhassett will consult with only a limited number of patients face-to-face. Phone and cyber consultations will be offered to all other patients – enabling you to stay safe at home. Please organise by phoning 08 9381 6977
During periods of high COVID cases, Dr Blennerhassett will consult with only a limited number of patients face-to-face. Phone and cyber consultations will be offered to all other patients – enabling you to stay safe at home. Please organise by phoning 08 9381 6977
Will Subiaco Plastic Surgery rooms stay open during the pandemic?
Yes, even during periods of high COVID cases our Subiaco Plastic Surgery staff will continue to work. They will be based in the rooms or at home, with direct access to office phone lines and computers.
Phone them on 08 9381 6977, or email blennerhassett@highway1.com.au
Phone them on 08 9381 6977, or email blennerhassett@highway1.com.au
How do I organise a phone or cyber consultation with Dr Blennerhassett?
Dr Blennerhassett will continue to offer both current and new patients consultations via phone and cyber consultations – enabling you to stay safe at home, if you so wish. Please organise by phoning 08 9381 6977 or email blennerhassett@highway1.com.au
How can we all help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Australia?
To protect others you must:
You can call the National Coronavirus Helpline for information and advice about COVID-19. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.
- practise good hand hygiene,
- wear effective face masks and practise social distancing
- follow the limits for public gatherings
- understand how to self-isolate if you need to
- get tested if you think you have been exposed, or if you have symptoms
You can call the National Coronavirus Helpline for information and advice about COVID-19. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.
Stay well and let's all work together to look after WA
