<p>It's safe to see your GP and maintain appointments with other healthcare professionals, so don't put your health on hold any longer.</p>
<p>That is the message 30-year veteran General Practitioner and Brisbane North PHN Board Chair Dr Anita Green wants patients to understand as Queensland continues to deal with COVID-19.</p>
<p>“Whether you need a flu jab or a regular health check, don't delay. Book in with your GP today," Dr Green said.</p>
<p>Her call coincides with the launch of a new Primary Health Network campaign, across radio and online media, in response to reports from healthcare providers that many people are avoiding vital medical care.<br /></p>
<p>“We know the people who have been most at risk during the pandemic are those with chronic complex disease and the older members of our community,” Dr Green said.</p>
<p>“They largely heeded the health messages to stay at home, self-isolate and keep themselves safe when the Coronavirus first appeared and I congratulate them for doing so,” she said. “But people shouldn’t put their healthcare on hold any longer.</p>
<p>“It is very important for anyone living with asthma and other lung conditions, cancers, diabetes or cardiovascular disease, to continue their regular medical care to avoid serious complications.</p>
<p>"We want them to reconnect with their GP, psychologist, podiatrist, physio or other healthcare professional and get the normal healthcare they need to have on a regular basis.</p>
<p>“For infection control reasons, so we can maintain a COVID safe environment for all patients, we just need them to phone ahead or book with their clinic online. It’s that simple,” Dr Green said.<br /></p>
<p>To search for a local healthcare professional or service, visit the <a href="http://www.brisbanenorthphn.org.au/safetoseegp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Safe to see your GP webpage</a>. <br /></p>
<h6>With thanks to Darling Downs West Moreton PHN for initiating, developing and permitting Brisbane North PHN to adapt and share the campaign in our region.</h6>