An update on our operations

Institute news

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute has implemented very rigorous measures, above and beyond current government advice, to protect the wellbeing of our community, including people living with cardiovascular disease and diabetes, their families and carers, staff, students, volunteers, supporters, corporate partners, collaborators and suppliers.

That is why all non-essential staff are now working from home, with only a skeletal team remaining onsite to service critical operations. The doors to our facilities at 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, are now only accessible via an intercom system to allow for essential deliveries. The café located in this building, My Serendipity Café, has also suspended operations.

Our scientists are continuing to design and develop novel approaches to tackling cardiovascular disease and diabetes, with a focus on writing journal papers and grant applications, undertaking data analyses and liaising with global collaborators.

From this week, telehealth services are being facilitated for many cardiovascular and diabetes patients, and most of our consultations with dietitians and diabetes educators are being conducted remotely. Our clinic facilities at Level 4, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, are open for a small number of patient appointments only, as we continue to consult with our patients to understand their specific needs and to support them during this period.

Ensuring adherence to medical treatment plans is critical for vulnerable Australians, which includes those with cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Our community visits to remote communities in Central Australia to provide diabetes services have been suspended, to try and protect these vulnerable communities in and around Alice Springs.

Some of our key community and health professional events have been postponed but our innovative staff are already progressing with delivering events in new formats. This includes our Melbourne Diabetes Symposium in May which will be delivered virtually, enabling it to be provided to a national audience.

We understand this is a challenging time for us all and we remain committed to continuing our lifesaving research into cardiovascular disease and diabetes, to providing dedicated health services and to providing you with evidence-based information during this difficult time.

People can continue to contact the Institute via our Main Reception number (03) 8532 1111 or our Clinic Reception number (03) 8532 1800.

You can stay up to date with information about protective measures, and what to do if you are experiencing symptoms by monitoring updates from the Department of Health or by calling the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.