Important Practice Updates

UPDATE AS AT Thursday, 18th AUGUST 2022:

ELECTIVE SURGERIES: ONGOING. NO RESTRICTIONS.

Consultations

• Both in-person and video-telehealth consultations with Dr Askew and our bariatric dietitians and psychologist are available.
• Phone (without video) must meet Medicare requirements of:
  a) A valid referral
  b) You have been seen in person at the Practice within the past 12 months.
  

Can I be treated by Dr Askew and his Team if I am unvaccinated?
Yes. Our Practice will provide healthcare regardless of vaccination status.

Can I proceed with surgery if I have had a recent Covid infection?
Yes.
If you have experienced only mild symptoms, you can but only 6 weeks after your symptoms have resolved.
If your symptoms have been more severe, you can have surgery but 8 weeks after your symptoms have resolved.

We may request that you speak with your anaesthetist to confirm your respiratory health prior to surgery if you experienced severe Covid symptoms.

Masks?
Masks are currently required in Queensland for all healthcare places. As our rooms as located within the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, you will be required to wear a mask upon entry to the hospital site. Further information regarding this can be found at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid19-restriction-checker/face-masks/qld

Can I receive my Covid vaccine or booster before or after surgery?
Yes, but it is recommended that you receive it more than 2 weeks prior to surgery, or more than 2 weeks after surgery. Please consider the timings of any vaccinations when choosing your surgery date.

Hospital Ward Visitors: Permitted with some conditions.

Further information regarding this can be provided by the hospital (SCUPH) directly on (07) 5390 6000 or https://www.ramsayhealth.com.au/News/Novel-Coronavirus

Kind regards,
Dr James Askew and Team.

ELECTIVE SURGERIES: ONGOING. NO RESTRICTIONS.

Consultations:

• Both in-person and video-telehealth consultations with Dr Askew and our bariatric dietitians and psychologist are available.
• Phone (without video) must meet Medicare requirements of:
  a) A valid referral
  b) You have been seen in person at the Practice within the past 12 months

Can I be treated by Dr Askew and his Team if I am unvaccinated?
Yes. Our Practice will provide healthcare regardless of vaccination status.

Can I proceed with surgery if I have had a recent Covid infection?
Yes.
If you have experienced only mild symptoms, you can but only 6 weeks after your symptoms have resolved.
If your symptoms have been more severe, you can have surgery but 8 weeks after your symptoms have resolved.

We may request that you speak with your anaesthetist to confirm your respiratory health prior to surgery if you experienced severe Covid symptoms.

Can I receive my Covid vaccine or booster before or after surgery?
Yes, but it is recommended that you receive it more than 2 weeks prior to surgery, or more than 2 weeks after surgery. Please consider the timings of any vaccinations when choosing your surgery date.

Hospital Ward Visitors: Permitted with some conditions.

Further information regarding this can be provided by the hospital (SCUPH) directly on (07) 5390 6000 or https://www.ramsayhealth.com.au/News/Novel-Coronavirus

Kind regards,
Dr James Askew and Team.

ELECTIVE SURGERIES: ONGOING. NO RESTRICTIONS.

Consultations:

• Both in-person and video-telehealth consultations with Dr Askew and our bariatric dietitian and psychologists are available.
• Phone (without video) must meet Medicare requirements of:
  a) A valid referral
  b) You have been seen in person at the Practice within the past 12 months

Can I proceed with surgery if I have had a recent Covid infection?
Yes.

If you have experienced only mild symptoms, you can but only 4 weeks after your symptoms have resolved.

If your symptoms have been more severe, you can have surgery but 8 weeks after your symptoms have resolved.

Can I receive my Covid vaccine before or after surgery?
Yes, but it is recommended that you receive it more than 2 weeks prior to surgery, or more than 2 weeks after surgery. Please consider the timings of any vaccinations when choosing your surgery date.

Hospital Ward Visitors: Restricted

Currently no visitors are allowed to visit the hospital ward.

Further information regarding this can be provided by SCUPH on (07) 5390 6000 or https://www.ramsayhealth.com.au/News/Novel-Coronavirus

Kind regards,
Dr James Askew and Team.

ELECTIVE SURGERIES: ONGOING. NO RESTRICTIONS.

Consultations:

• Both in-person and video-telehealth consultations with Dr Askew and our bariatric dietitian and psychologists are available.
• Phone (without video) must meet Medicare requirements of:
  a) A valid referral
  b) You have been seen in person at the Practice within the past 12 months

Can I proceed with surgery if I have had a recent Covid infection?
Yes, but only 8 weeks after your symptoms have resolved.

Can I receive my Covid vaccine before or after surgery?
Yes, but it is recommended that you receive it more than 2 weeks prior to surgery, or more than 2 weeks after surgery. Please consider the timings of any vaccinations when choosing your surgery date.

Hospital Ward Visitors: Restricted

Currently no visitors are allowed to visit the hospital ward.

Further information regarding this can be provided by SCUPH on (07) 5390 6000 or https://www.ramsayhealth.com.au/News/Novel-Coronavirus

Kind regards,
Dr James Askew and Team.

OPERATING STATUS: ONGOING

ROOMS STATUS: OPEN – Dr James Askew and his team of administration staff, dietitian and psychologists are fully vaccinated in line with the Public Health Direction.

PCR TESTING: Currently not required for elective surgery patients

Patients: Unrestricted – Vaccinated and Unvaccinated patients welcome

Vistors: Restricted – Vaccinated only. Please read below.

In line with the most recent Queensland Government Health Directive as of 5pm on Friday, 17th December 2021 there are changes to visitor access to all hospitals within the State for unvaccinated members of the community.

“ From 17 December 2021, unvaccinated people will be unable to:

• visit vulnerable settings, including hospitals, residential aged care, disability accommodation services, and prisons. This does not apply to residents and patients of these facilities, and there will be some exceptions for medical treatment, end-of-life visits, childbirth and emergency situations”

Can I still receive elective medical treatment if I am unvaccinated?
Yes. This means that patients seeing Dr James Askew for bariatric surgery and general surgery are able to proceed with their procedures as planned.

Can an unvaccinated parent, carer or guardian use communal areas of a hospital or facility such as a family lounge, kitchen or cafeteria?
No. Unvaccinated parents, carers or guardians of patients over the age of 18 must show proof of vaccination to enter the hospital. This means that they will be unable to access these common areas within the hospital premises.

How can I show proof of vaccination?
Please refer to the Queensland Government website

Is Dr James Askew still visiting Caboolture Private Hospital and the Ramsay Hospital Consulting Suites in Hervey Bay for appointments?
Yes. Dr James Askew and Kye our Practice Manager travel to these sites and look forward to seeing you soon

Are you considering a weight loss surgery in Queensland?
We encourage anyone considering a sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass or mini bypass to contact our rooms to schedule a consultation with Dr James Askew to discuss, investigate and potentially plan ahead for upcoming surgery. There is currently no change to our consulting times and there is been no change to our operating schedule at this time.

Further questions:
If you have questions relating to your hospital admission, please call The Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital on 07 5309 6000 for further details regarding your individual circumstances.

Stay well.
Best wishes,
Dr James Askew and Team.

OPERATING STATUS: ONGOING

ROOMS STATUS:OPEN – Our consulting rooms are open on the Sunshine Coast and at our satellite clinics in Caboolture and Hervey Bay.

We are happy to announce that our entire staff and bariatric care team are fully vaccinated in-line with the Public Health Direction.

The Queensland Government’s Chief Health Officer requires all workers in healthcare who enter, work in, or provide services in a healthcare setting to be fully vaccinated.

The health and wellbeing of our patients and community is of utmost importance to us.

We look forward to seeing you in-person at any of our clinics on the Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay or Caboolture or online for your appointments.

Dr James Askew and Team.

——

OPERATING STATUS: ONGOING

ROOMS STATUS: OPEN – Our consulting rooms are open on the Sunshine Coast and at our satellite clinics in Caboolture and Hervey Bay.

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons has recommended that patients not receive their vaccination within 14 days prior to, or 14 days after, their elective surgery. Any bariatric surgical procedures will need to be considered when arranging for the timing of vaccinations.

Please do not hesitate to contact us on (07) 5408 8721 should you have questions regarding your Covid-19 vaccination and bariatric surgery.

Dr James Askew and Team.

——

OPERATING STATUS: ONGOING

ROOMS STATUS:OPEN – Our consulting rooms are open on the Sunshine Coast and at our satellite clinics in Caboolture and Hervey Bay.

Please note that as mandated by the Queensland Government, masks must be worn at all times when attending our consulting rooms in person unless you suffer from a medical condition that prevents you from doing so.

ELECTIVE SURGERY UPDATE:

Many people have been awaiting news about any change to elective surgeries, including bariatric procedures and we are happy to confirm that at this stage, the Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital is continuing to offer elective surgery procedures. Please contact the hospital directly on (07) 5390 6000 with any queries about if visitors are allowed to accompany you, etc.

Best wishes,
The Team at James Askew Medical.
James, Kye, Amy, Emily, Kate, Bethany and Nicola

——

OPERATING STATUS: ONGOING

ROOMS STATUS:OPEN – Our consulting rooms are open on the Sunshine Coast and at our satellite clinics in Caboolture and Hervey Bay.

Please note that as mandated by the Queensland Government, masks must be worn at all times when attending our consulting rooms in person unless you suffer from a medical condition that prevents you from doing so.

ELECTIVE SURGERY UPDATE:

Many people have been awaiting news about any change to elective surgeries, including bariatric procedures and we are happy to confirm that at this stage, the Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital is continuing to offer elective surgery procedures. Please contact the hospital directly on (07) 5390 6000 with any queries about if visitors are allowed to accompany you, etc.

Best wishes,
The Team at James Askew Medical.
James, Kye, Amy, Emily, Kate, Bethany and Nicola

——

Tuesday, 28.06.2021 (21:00hrs)

OPERATING STATUS: ONGOING

ROOMS STATUS: OPEN – Although TELEHEALTH appointments are preferred over in-person if possible during lockdown. Should you wish to attend the rooms in person please ensure that you wear your mask as required by the guidelines set by the State Government.

Please note that as mandated by the Queensland Government, masks must be worn at all times when attending our consulting rooms in person unless you suffer from a medical condition that prevents you from doing so.

ELECTIVE SURGERY UPDATE:

Many people have been awaiting news about any change to elective surgeries, including bariatric procedures and we are happy to confirm that at this stage, the Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital is continuing to offer elective surgery procedures.
Please contact the hospital directly on (07) 5390 6000 with any queries about if visitors are allowed to accompany you.

CONSIDERING A PROCEDURE?

We encourage those considering procedures to contact our rooms to schedule a consultation with Dr James Askew to discuss, investigate and potentially plan ahead for upcoming surgeries as there is no change to consulting or operating schedules at this time.

Best wishes,
The Team at James Askew Medical.
James, Kye, Amy, Emily, Kate, Bethany and Nicola

——

OPERATING STATUS: ONGOING

ROOMS STATUS: OPEN – Although TELEHEALTH appointments are preferred over in-person if possible during lockdown. Should you wish to attend the rooms in person please ensure that you wear your mask as required by the guidelines set by the State Government.

Please note that as mandated by the Queensland Government, masks must be worn at all times when attending our consulting rooms in person unless you suffer from a medical condition that prevents you from doing so.

ELECTIVE SURGERY UPDATE:

Many people have been awaiting news about any change to elective surgeries, including bariatric procedures and we are happy to confirm that at this stage, the Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital is continuing to offer elective surgery procedures.
Please contact the hospital directly on (07) 5390 6000 with any queries about if visitors are allowed to accompany you.

CONSIDERING A PROCEDURE?

We encourage those considering procedures to contact our rooms to schedule a consultation with Dr James Askew to discuss, investigate and potentially plan ahead for upcoming surgeries as there is no change to consulting or operating schedules at this time.

Best wishes,
The Team at James Askew Medical.
James, Kye, Amy, Emily, Kate, Bethany and Nicola

——

OPERATING STATUS: ONGOING

ROOMS STATUS: OPEN – IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS AND TELEHEALTH / zoom appointments

For new consultations and follow up appointments with Dr Askew, Kate, Bethany and Nicki.

Please note that as mandated by the Queensland Government, masks must be worn at all times when attending our consulting rooms in person unless you suffer from a medical condition that prevents you from doing so.

ELECTIVE SURGERY UPDATE:

Many people have been awaiting news about any change to elective surgeries, including bariatric procedures and we are happy to confirm that at this stage, the Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital is continuing to offer elective surgery procedures. Please contact the hospital directly on (07) 5390 6000 with any queries about if visitors are allowed to accompany you, etc.

CONSIDERING A PROCEDURE?

We encourage those considering procedures to contact our rooms to schedule a consultation with Dr James Askew to discuss, investigate and potentially plan ahead for upcoming surgeries as there is no change to consulting or operating schedules at this time.

Best wishes,
The Team at James Askew Medical.
James, Kye, Amy, Emily, Kate, Bethany and Nicki.

——

OPERATING STATUS: RE-COMMENCED

ROOMS STATUS: OPEN – FOR BOTH IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS AND TELEHEALTH / ZOOM APPOINTMENTS

For new consultations and follow up appointments with Dr Askew, Kate, Bethany and Nicki.

COVID-19 AND SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES:

We are continuing to work with the guidelines set by the local and state governments. This currently includes maintaining social distancing to ensure your safety during this period. We also ask that you respect the Government guidelines.

The measures we have put in place include:

• Minimising the number of people within the clinic at any one time
• Ensuring social distancing within the waiting room
• Regular wipe-downs of common surfaces
• Availability of hand sanitiser
• Appropriate protective equipment for our staff in accordance with Government guidelines.

If you attend your appointment in person we ask that you observe the appropriate social distancing from staff and other patients. Please consider coming to your appointment alone and if you show symptoms of illness, please call ahead.

ELECTIVE SURGERY UPDATE:

All surgeries postponed due to COVID restrictions have been performed. We currently do not have a waitlist for surgery.

Best wishes and we all look forward To speaking with you soon.
The Team at James Askew Medical.
James, Kye, Amy, Ashleigh, Kate, Bethany and Nicki.

——

Friday, 28.05.2020

OPERATING STATUS:RE-COMMENCED

ROOMS STATUS:OPEN – IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS AND TELEHEALTH

For new consultations and follow up appointments with Dr Askew, Kate, Bethany and Nicki.

ELECTIVE SURGERY UPDATE:

Many people have been eagerly awaiting news about the recommencement of elective surgeries, including bariatric procedures and we’re happy to confirm that the Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital is now able to offer elective surgery procedures.

As you can imagine, we have quite a few people to contact about rescheduling surgery and our team are systematically working to confirm details with our patients.

Our advice to current patients awaiting those details is that if your surgery already has a scheduled date, then assume this is still your surgery date.

Considering a procedure?

We encourage those considering procedures to contact our rooms to schedule a consultation with Dr James Askew to discuss, investigate and potentially plan ahead for upcoming surgeries.

Best wishes,
The Team at James Askew Medical.
James, Kye, Amy, Ashleigh, Kate, Bethany and Nicki.

——

OPERATING STATUS:

SELECTED GENERAL SURGERIES CAN BE PERFORMED AFTER 27.04.2020

Selected general surgery procedures can be performed from Monday, 27th April 2020 including: Gallbladder and appendix removal, hernia repair and some skin cancer surgeries.

BARIATRIC SURGERIES CURRENTLY ON HOLD

ROOMS STATUS:

OPEN – TELEHEALTH AND SELECT IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS.

For new consultations and follow up appointments with Dr Askew, Kate, Bethany, Nicki.
As you may have heard in the media, the Federal Government has announced the first stage of the resumption of elective surgeries. The permitted surgical procedures to recommence after Monday, 27th April 2020 does not include bariatric procedures.

This unfortunately means that bariatric surgeries are still on hold with the Federal Government due to announce the next stage of permitted elective surgeries on Monday, 11th May 2020. We are hopeful that this may extend to include bariatric procedures but this will depend on the amount of new COVID-19 cases in the community, the amount of personal protective equipment (PPE) available amongst other factors considered by the Federal Government.

The reintroduction of elective surgeries is being undertaken in a staged manner to ensure the safety of all medical and hospital staff, patients and the community at large.

A detailed media statement from the Prime Minister of Australia can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y7heqtu2

We will keep you informed of any updates as they occur and thank you for your continued support and patience.

Best wishes,
The Team at James Askew Medical.
James, Kye, Amy, Kate, Bethany and Nicki.

——

OPERATING STATUS: ELECTIVE SURGERIES CURRENTLY ON HOLD

ROOMS STATUS: OPEN – VIA TELEHEALTH ONLY.

For new consultations and follow up appointments with Dr Askew, Kate, Bethany, Nicki.

Regarding elective Surgeries:

There has been reports on various news sites that the Government may be looking to recommence elective surgeries in the near future. As yet, no official word has come from the Government, however an announcement is expected mid-next week to be announced. We hope that once a decision has been made by the Government that we receive communication from the Hospital soon after, at which time we will be in touch with all patients with previously postponed surgeries and those with upcoming scheduled surgeries.

We look forward to having further information to you as soon as it comes to hand.

Best wishes,
The Team at James Askew Medical.
James, Kye, Amy, Kate, Bethany and Nicki.

——

OPERATING STATUS: ELECTIVE SURGERIES CURRENTLY ON HOLD

ROOMS STATUS: OPEN – VIA TELEHEALTH ONLY.

For new consultations and follow up appointments with Dr Askew, Kate, Bethany, Nicki.

Unfortunately due to the escalation of COVID-19 in South-East Queensland all of Dr Askew’s upcoming scheduled elective surgeries are postponed. This includes bariatric (weight loss) and also general (gallbladder, hernia and skin cancer) procedures.
All hospitals are transitioning to performing only Emergency / Category 1 operations and following the recommendation of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons, Dr Askew will not be performing any Category 2 or Category 3 cases effective, immediately.

We sincerely apologise for the frustration and inconvenience this will cause and we hope you understand this decision has not been taken lightly.

We will still be conducting consultations via Telehealth and hope to re-schedule all scheduled procedures when the community risk of COVID-19 is reduced and elective procedures recommence.

Our team will be continuing to telephone patients with upcoming surgeries already scheduled over the coming days to discuss what these changes will mean for you individually.

Please remember to maintain physical social distancing, washing your hands regularly and that all non essential travel should be avoided during this unprecedented time.

Best wishes,
The Team at James Askew Medical.
James, Kye, Amy, Kate, Bethany and Nicki.

——

We understand that with current world events you may be feeling quite overwhelmed, worried and anxious about the spread of COVID-19.

As a team we have been thinking hard about how we can help in this situation and wanted to take a minute to tell you about the steps we’ll be taking. We want to make sure that we keep our team and our wonderful bariatric community, you, safe.

In order to do this we will be strictly observing social distancing in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and to help ‘flatten the curve’. Unfortunately this means that we can no longer be conducting face-to-face meetings with you for the time being. Instead we are offering Telehealth appointments for all. All members of the team are set up for Telehealth consultations and both Kye and Amy we will still be available over the telephone and via email to respond to your enquiries. We do ask for your patience at this time with telephone and email enquiries as we are experiencing a significant rise in these at the moment.

At this time all elective surgeries scheduled are due to go ahead as planned. This will be assessed on a daily basis by the Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital and Queensland Health. We will keep in touch with any changes – please see our website www.jamesaskew.com.au/covid19

In the meantime, you may wish to follow our social media accounts for various updates as well as bariatric tips and tricks:

Instagram: @drjamesaskew
Website: www.jamesaskew.com.au  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr-James-Askew-307503553345664/

Best wishes, James, Kye, Amy, Kate, Bethany and Nicki. ——

At this stage elective surgeries at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital are still going ahead. This may change as the impact of COVID-19 evolves in our community and if that is the case, all patients with upcoming surgery dates will be informed immediately. —-

Your health, safety and well-being is most important to us. Our team and hospital are taking thorough steps to ensure this. The Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital is COVID-19 free and does not treat COVID-19 diagnosed cases. Nor are we treating respiratory illnesses, who may be COVID-19 positive. At this time any patients suffering with respiratory illnesses are being treated at the public tertiary hospital and not at the private hospital (SCUPH) where all surgeries performed by Dr Askew are undertaken.

At James Askew Medical we are taking measures in line with the evolving guidelines and protocols set by the Department of Health and Queensland Health as well as Ramsay Health Care to ensure your wellness and safety. We are offering Telehealth appointments to all and politely request that if you suffer from a cold or flu symptoms, even a runny nose, to not attend any in-person appointments.If you have travelled overseas within the last few week you may not enter the hospital. This is in-line with Ramsay Hospital’s COVID-19 policy.

Precautions taken in our consulting suites include:

• Offering Telehealth appointments for all members of our Care Team (Dr Askew, Dieticians Kate and Bethany, Psychologist Nicky and Administration staff Kye and Amy)
• Cleaning of surfaces such as counters, desks, eftpos machines, clipboards and pens between each patient attending our rooms
• Hand sanitiser, soap and water facilities, tissues and disposable cups accessible for every patient.

At this stage, all elective surgeries are continuing to go ahead as planned. However this may change depending on how COVID-19 impacts the community and the workers at the hospital. Should there be a need to reschedule any surgical procedures our rooms will be in contact with you as soon as possible. ——

Coronavirus – What is it?

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus which was first reported in last year in China. Symptoms range from a mild cough to pneumonia. The majority of infected people will only suffer from very mild symptoms. However, others (especially those over the age of 65) may become very sick very quickly. COVID-19 spreads from person to person, just like the ‘flu. COVID-19 is a more serious disease in that it is more contagious and dangerous than influenza. Very good hygiene can prevent infection.

Coronavirus – What can I do?

• Don’t Panic.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing, dispose of tissues immediately after use and wash your hands or apply hand sanitiser.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms or who has recently returned from Overseas travel.
• Avoid unnecessary contact, eg shaking hands, hugging, cheek kissing
• Stay home if you are unwell.

What are we as a Practice doing?

• Offering Telehealth appointments for all members of the Care Team (Dr Askew, Dietitians Kate and Bethany, Psychologist Nickyand Administration Kye and Amy)
• Cleaning of surfaces such as counters, desks, eftpos machines, clipboards and pens between each patient attending our rooms
• Hand sanitiser, soap and water facilities, tissues and disposable cups accessible for every patient.