When the coronavirus's severity first became apparent in 2020, we requested our members to delay elective (non-emergency) surgery until the worst of the outbreak was over.
09 January 2021
Please remain selective about elective
When the coronavirus's severity first became apparent in 2020, we requested our members to delay elective (non-emergency) surgery until the worst of the outbreak was over.
09 January 2021
With the second wave now in full swing and ramping up, we must extend this request once again.
Why are we asking this of our members? • We don’t want to burden the healthcare system, because we need as many hospital beds as possible to be available for patients requiring hospitalisation in the case of COVID-19; • Social distancing helps to slow down the spread of the virus. Avoiding hospitals is another way to protect yourself from possible exposure to the virus.
COVID-19 will remain with us for the foreseeable future, so ensuring the best healthcare quality for all our members will necessitate a collaborative effort between the scheme and you, our members. It comes down to this: We want the RIGHT care for the RIGHT member at the RIGHT time in the RIGHT facility. • Do remember to make use of Fedhealth’s rich screening benefits and health risk assessments to ensure that your health is on track. • Always follow your doctor’s advice. If you are unsure whether elective surgery can be postponed, ask them the following questions: o What are the risks of postponing the surgery? o Are there any non-surgical treatments available? o What precautions does the hospital in question taker to protect patient’s from COVID-19? o Do surgery have to be performed in an acute hospital… is a doctor’s room or day-hospital perhaps an alternative? o What can you do before and after your surgery to protect yourself?
Important contact numbers Fedhealth Customer Contact Centre: Monday to Thursday 08h30 – 17h00; Friday 09h00 – 17h00. Call 0860 002 153 or email member@fedhealth.co.za Emotional Wellbeing Programme: 087 365 8664 and the new Crisis Support Desk: 0860 111 646 Fedhealth Nurse Line and Emergency Medical Services: 0860 333 432 Paed-IQ: 0860 444 128 and SOS Call Me: *130*3272*31# Press 1. Emergency Medical Services; 2. Nurse Line; 3. MediTaxi Visit the Coronavirus Hub on the Fedhealth website: https://fedhealth.co.za/media/2338/fedhealth-coronavirus-faqs-document.pdf or use the COVID-19 Chatbot (go to LiveChat on fedhealth.co.za to select). You can also use the WhatsApp service (click on https://wa.me/27600702479 from your mobile device) for assistance.
Important COVID-19 resources COVID-19 online resource and news portal: https://sacoronavirus.co.za/ The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD): https://www.nicd.ac.za/
