RESPONSE OF THE VICTORIAN ORTHOPAEDIC FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC TO THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC

The core values of the Victorian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Clinic have always been patient safety, as well as excellence of surgical care of patients troubled with disorders of the foot and ankle.

Two weeks  prior  to the ceasing of elective  surgery  mandated  by  the  Federal  Government, Dr Beischer and Cornoiu made the difficult decision to do this on their own volition because of their concern of a worsening environment in the healthcare industry.  This, unfortunately, has meant many of our patients with non-urgent problems are in a holding pattern, awaiting surgery, which we will address as soon as is safely possible.

Nonetheless, however, the team at the Victorian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Clinic has innovated rapidly to continue caring for patients suffering from disorders of the foot and ankle.  At present the only surgical procedures that can be performed are the management  of  significant acute fractures,  dislocations,  infections  and  potentially  worrisome  tumours of the foot and ankle.   Dr Beischer and Dr Cornoiu have established clear and precise protocols how to manage patients suffering with these problems at our Consulting Suite in Epworth Centre, Richmond which is now a biologically secured building. All patients and staff entering this building having their temperature checked and social distancing has been strictly implemented throughout the building.  Thus, for such patients requiring an urgent physical “face to foot” consultation a secure passage to the Victorian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle has been established.

The Emergency department of the Epworth Hospital Richmond may also be used for after hours or for severe injuries such as open fractures of the foot and ankle.

For those patients with less urgent issues, the Victorian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Clinic is now able to offer E-consultations via Teleconference and, if necessary, videoconferencing.  Imaging performed in the community can be accessed on-line by the team at our clinic, usually allowing EFFECTIVE clinical decision making to be made during an E-consultation.

Over the last 20 years the Victorian Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Clinic has treated nearly 50,000 patients and at least 70% of these patients have been successfully managed with non-operative strategies in combination with the team from Melbourne Orthotics and physiotherapists.  In response to the COVID – 19 threat our clinic has rapidly developed innovative clinical diagnosis and nonoperative treatment pathways with new on-line and teleconferencing facilities with links to Melbourne Orthotics and physiotherapists as needed.  Therefore, the community and referring General Practitioners can be reassured that our clinic remains open to care for patients troubled with disorders of the foot and ankle.  In these challenging times, we at the Victorian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Clinic wish everyone good health, but rest assured, we are here to help any time as required.

ANDREW BEISCHER

Chairman and Founder

Victorian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Clinic