Video consults are to reduce the risk of spreading viruses to other patients and staff. As we can’t tell by looking at you whether you have a normal cold or flu a video consult will also reduce the risk of you catching coronavirus.
If you have an infectious illness or are at risk of catching one i.e. you over the age of 50 or you have significant other medical problems then we would encourage you to use video consultations with your doctor where possible.
Many services provide video call options but technically we are only meant to use those that are “secure” – this means that our conversation is encrypted. If you feel that you don’t mind and would prefer to use a service you are familiar with then we are happy to talk to you via a non-secure site.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE DO NOT USE THESE APPLICATIONS TO CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR, INSTEAD USE:
- MANAGE MY HEALTH
- THE ONLINE PORTAL (FROM OUR WEBSITE)
- EMAIL TO RECEPTION reception@villagehealth.net.nz.
Facebook Messenger - not secure
Whatsapp – considered secure - can be downloaded from the APP store on your phone
SKYPE – not secure
ZOOM – secure – can be downloaded from the APP store on your phone; the doctor will send you a link via email
Facetime - not available
What happens if I get coronavirus?
Fortunately most people only have a mild illness. If you are unwell and your swab comes back positive for coronavirus we will send you URL links on self-care at home. Your disease will be reported to public health so that contacts can be traced and isolated. If you condition deteriorates we will try to keep you at home as long as possible where this is safe to do so, we are able to loan you equipment to take recordings of your pulse and oxygen saturation and temperature at home and keep in touch via video consults. This will ensure that you are only hospitalised when absolutely necessary.