As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to dominate the headlines, we want to make sure that we are bringing you the most up-to-date news regarding the spread of the virus as well as valuable information and practical advice to help you through this uncertain time.
We have been closely monitoring the situation and want each member of our community to know that your health and well-being is uppermost in our minds. We know that Australians over the age of 60 are the group most likely to be affected by COVID-19 and those who have a pre-existing health condition are particularly vulnerable. We understand that you will have questions and concerns regarding the situation and your current lung condition, and we want you to know that we are here to help.
We’re working closely with our network of health experts in the field to provide regular updates on our website and access to resources and helpful links. A downloadable fact sheet outlining COVID-19 for people living with a lung condition is also now available on our website, here. Moving forward, we will provide updates each week that will answer a range of questions we have been receiving from our community, including practical advice and tips specific to people living with lung disease or lung cancer.
Lung Foundation Australia’s Chairperson Professor Christine Jenkins AM took a few minutes out from the front line at Concord Repatriation General Hospital to give a message to the Lung Foundation Australia community.
Update on our services and programs
The current COVID-19 crisis presents a range of challenges in how we would normally go about our day-to-day routines and it will be easy to let some of your great health habits go, such as healthy eating or exercise.
Now more than ever, it’s important to find ways to look after yourself and focus on both your mental health and physical wellbeing –and we’re here to help.
Our Information and Support Centre remains open during its regular operating hours and we’re working hard to adapt other support services and programs to ensure you have the support and care you need to keep well during this time.
While our face-to-face services, such as support groups and Lungs in Action classes have been put on hold or cancelled due to COVID-19 risks, please rest assured that we are working hard to adapt some of our services digitally to support your needs.
In addition, our telehealth and Peer Connect services continue to operate, and we encourage you to reach out to us about these. Talking to someone in a similar situation is a simple and very effective way to look after your mental health and wellbeing during this time.
We will also be launching our scheduled webinar series early next week to provide information, advice and support across a suite of disease areas. More information about our services and programs can be accessed via our website or by contacting our team via free call 1800 654 301.
| Service | Status |
| Information and Support Centre | Our friendly team is available 8:30am-4:30pm (QLD time) Monday to Friday to help answers your questions and connect you with resources and support services. Contact free call 1800 654 301. |
| Webinars | Our Live Well, Breathe Better Webinar Series is launching next week. This series will feature expert speakers and cover a range of diseases and topics to support you to live well with your condition. Stay tuned for details. |
| Peer Connect | Our free Peer Connect service connects people living with Pulmonary Fibrosis and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis who share similar experiences, via phone or email. For more information about this service, call 1800 654 301. |
| Lung Cancer Nurse and Respiratory Care Nurse | Our Lung Cancer Support Nurse and Respiratory Care Nurse provide evidence-based guidance on all aspects of your condition. Call 1800 654 301 to book an appointment. |
| Support groups | We do not recommend support groups meet in person at this time. Contact our team to discuss other support services that may be available to you. |
| Lungs in Action | Classes are cancelled for a period of three months, effective 16 March. We encourage you to link in with your instructor to develop a home exercise program. |
Stay informed
We will keep you updated as the situation continues to unfold and provide further information and tips each week. In the meantime, please visit our website for the latest information and suite of resources and helpful links.
If you have any questions or concerns or would like any further information, please contact our Information and Support Centre via free call 1800 654 301.
Look after yourselves and each other. These are difficult times, but we will get through it together.
Yours sincerely,
Mark Brooke
Chief Executive Officer