Emergency Department at Gumeracha to remain closed indefinitely

Doctors from the medical practices in Lobethal and Gumeracha have attended patients and emergencies at the Gumeracha District Soldiers Memorial Hospital (GDSMH) for decades, and we are well aware of how valued and important this service is to you all. It is a point of pride for us how many we have been able to help over the years.

However, as you may be aware, the medical sector in general and our little medical practice in particular, have been dealing with a number of headwinds in recent years. This has led to the current crisis in our medical workforce. We have spent years pleading with the health bureaucracy at all levels for assistance but have had no success. Both the State and Federal Ministers for Health have heard our case, and have not been moved to help.

The ongoing COVID-19 crisis has not made things easier.

Therefore, it is with great regret, that we must inform the community that for the foreseeable future we do not have enough independent, fully qualified doctors to staff the GDSMH Emergency Department in a safe manner. It will not be able to open until such time as we have more support and doctors available.

If you have concerns about the lack of Government support for your health service then please let our health bureaucrats and the politicians know. With an election coming up they might actually pay attention to what the community want.

Please know that we totally understand that this is disappointing for the community. We simply ask for understanding and support while we try our best to keep you, and us, healthy and safe.

If you have an emergency, call 000
24/7 Medical care is available at Modbury, Mt Barker, Gawler or Lyell McEwin Hospitals
After Hours urgent ‘phone consult available from National Home Doctor Service - by calling 13 SICK. (13 7425)
The Women’s and Children’s Hospital offers a virtual urgent care service:
https://www.wch.sa.gov.au/patients-visitors/emergencies/virtual-urgent-care

Please click for a more detailed explanation.

Thank you for your Understanding and Support.

Sincerely,

The Team at Gum Medical

Book Online via HotDoc

29 Albert Street, Gumeracha
SA 5233

5 Wattle Street, Lobethal
SA 5241

Gum Medical acknowledges that the land on which its site is located is the Traditional lands for the Peramangk people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with their country. We also acknowledge the Peramangk people as the custodians of the greater Adelaide Hills region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living Permangk people today.

During these uncertain times, you can rest assured that Gum Medical is doing the utmost to ensure that you and our staff remain safe. We have a number of procedures in place to limit your chances of exposure.

If you have any of the following symptoms, or are concerned that you may have been at an exposure site:

fever (a temperature of 37.5˚C or higher) or chills.

loss of taste or smell

runny or blocked nose

shortness of breath (difficulty breathing)

nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea

muscle or joint pain

Please get a COVID test and isolate at home until you receive a negative result as per SA Health guidelines.

Our doctors will all be wearing fit-tested N95 masks and goggles that provide the highest level of protection reasonably possible.

You can help by wearing a mask while you are in our clinic and maintaining social distancing. To minimize the time, you spend sitting in the waiting room we ask that you wait for your appointment outside or in your car. You can let us know that you have arrived by checking in on the HotDoc app, otherwise ring the doorbell or call and let reception know on 8389 1009. We will then contact you when the doctor or nurse is available to see you.

We do continue to offer face to face appointments where appropriate, but ask that, if appropriate and safe, you consider a telehealth appointment instead.

Emergency Department at Gumeracha to remain closed indefinitely

COVID - 19

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