Health on Central in Andergrove, Queensland, Australia | Family medicine practice

Health on Central

Locality: Andergrove, Queensland, Australia

Phone: +61 7 4955 0555

Address: 26 Central Drive 4740 Andergrove, QLD, Australia

Website: https://healthoncentral.com.au

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• Medical and health
• Family medicine practice
• Family doctor
• Medical service

24.01.2022 Don’t panic. This is going to pop up from time to time.

24.01.2022 On behalf of the Royal Australian College of General Practioners I was proud to gown up with Dr Kerry Summerscales and present her with the Future Leaders President Medal for her fabulous work for the Veterans community. 12 months ago Kerry and I sat down as she wondered if she could do it. Of course you bloody can. Be bold and brave or something to that effect. Kerry is a humble leader who is now educating healthcare providers on veterans health. Starting locally in Nth Ql...d she hopes to roll the program out nationwide. The Future Leaders program is aimed at helping GPs identify their values and how they relate to their leadership qualities. It also examines techniques for influencing and achieving change, with a focus on the future. Congratulations to Dr Mark who is now an advisor to RACGP on prescribing (he is both a GP and pharmacist) As an alumni of the Future Leaders I was fortunate to be a mentor to a GP from Tasmania. #inspired #proud #greatteamwork Nic

23.01.2022 When the doctor becomes the pt....... I am so grateful for the beautiful care that I have received from the staff at the Mater Hospital. From the nurses to the meal monitors, the care has been tender and professional. It has been a humbling experience. Going home today.... I appreciate that this week has been difficult for patients as we have reduced availabilities. My fellow GP's have taken on my workload and the support staff have scrambled to reschedule appointments. Most have been understanding although I am disappointed by the abuse that the front desk staff have received from a minority. Please be kind. I understand that you are disappointed but the staff at the front desk deserve respect and kindness too. We have also had another of our GP's in hospital recently which has reduced our capacity to offer appointments. Sometimes Dr's get injured or sick too................... As a doctor, we tend to try to problem solve first. We dont like to bother others, call ambulances or occupy a bed that could be used by someone else. We are terrible patients. I had to place my trust in others. Not knowing, waiting for tests, side effects of drugs have all been part of the experience. I am sorry if I have told you that Movicol doesn't taste that bad - it does, agarol tastes like Betty Crocker icing and spinal injections dont really hurt. Lyrica had me hallucinate and good old fashioned panadol works a treat. I will be a better doctor because of this. I will respect my back, body and brain. I will never ask you to do anything I wouldn't expect of myself. Thank you to Noeleen Preston RN for being my advocate. To the lovely staff on St Gerards - Tanya, Tracey, Nicole, Linda, Judy, Chris, Nathan and Lauren (and my brain still fuzzy for those I have missed) you treated me with such tenderness and care. Dr Banic and Elena at Qld Xray who weaved their magic. My promise to Brayden at PhysioPlus is that I follow the advice of the health professionals involved in my care. To my patients - thank you for your understanding. This is why I suggest that you need at least 2 doctors in the practice who know you. Sometimes I can’t be there. My family need me too. Many of you have watched my children grow as they have attended ward rounds or been at the practice. They are busy and active kids. I am stepping back my consulting to 3 days a week. I will be available for appointments Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I can step back because of the wonderful clinical and support staff that make HoC a team. Nic

23.01.2022 Good morning! **EDIT: we are organising a separate entrance and will have a staff member outside directing people. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation** We are dealing with a bit of an incident here at health on Central this morning, so please be patient with us if we are running behind or can't get to your calls right away. ... Given the situation, we are asking that patients enter around via Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, which is to the left of the building when you look at it straight on, or the right of the building when you're inside the building -- follow the arrows!) Thank you for your patience this morning.

22.01.2022 Congratulations to our wonderful Dr Kerry Summerscales who has been recognised nationally for her advocacy on Veterans Health. Kerry has been recognised by RACGP with the Presidents medal for her outstanding work in the Future Leader program.

19.01.2022 Just a reminder for tomorrow On the 11th hour On the 11th day Of the 11th month... The guns fell silent Having been to Villers-Bretonnuex and Australian memorial there, it was heart breaking to see many died on 11 November, and then after clearly from their wounds. Veteran Health is a significant area of healthcare and the Health on Central team are proud to serve our Veteran community. Lest We Forget

17.01.2022 COVID-19 viral fragments detected at Mackay South wastewater treatment plant We are reminding anyone in the Mackay region with COVID-19 symptoms to present for testing following the detection of COVID-19 viral fragments in sewage samples from the Mackay wastewater treatment plant for the first time. This does not necessarily mean there is COVID-19 in the Mackay community, but we won’t know if there are undetected cases unless people with symptoms are tested. The positive resu...lt means that at some point someone has either been infectious or recovering from a recent infection. Infected people’s stools may contain viral fragments, and shedding can extend for several weeks beyond the person’s infectious period. Find your nearest testing facility in and around the Mackay HHS Region via Mackay HealthPathways - COVID-19 Requests and Local Processes or se below: Mackay Showgrounds drive-through clinic 7 days a week 8am 4pm BHP/Vanguard Health Bowen/Moranbah Testing Clinic, 10am 5.20pm, seven days a week. Appointments required 1800 980 574 Whitsunday Respiratory Clinic, 10am 5pm. Appointments required on 4804 5664 Proserpine, Bowen, Collinsville and Moranbah Hospitals Call your regular GP to ask about testing opportunities Private Pathology providers, GP referral required Mackay HHS has a COVID-19 community hotline to support people with enquiries on coronavirus COVID-19. Local clinicians are available on 4885 5666 8am - 4pm 7 days a week to answer queries on testing and general COVID-19 information. Remember the importance to maintain COVID safe principles Queenslanders need to continue working together to prevent and manage the spread of COVID-19 in Queensland. If you are unwell with flu-like symptoms (e.g. sore throat or runny nose), get tested for COVID-19 and stay home. Practise good hand hygiene, using soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Practise good respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze into your elbow. Maintain physical distancing. Keep 1.5m between you and another person. Allow 4 square metres per person when indoors

16.01.2022 We have our tearoom and consult rooms back! https://www.dailymercury.com.au//mackay-respirat/4107108/|5eb632a3da45df5d9a5861ece38f939a

15.01.2022 If you are under 50 years of age, the Government has asked you to reconsider having the AstraZeneca vaccination until there is further safety information available. Unfortunately, we do not have a substitute vaccine available at this time and have not been advised when this will be available. If you are under 50 years of age and decide to defer your vaccination, please cancel your clinic appointment as soon as possible. If you are not a regular patient of Health on Central, please discuss whether you should have a vaccination with your own GP. https://www.health.gov.au//atagi-statement-on-astrazeneca-

14.01.2022 60% of our consultations in general practice involve mental health. We have longer consultations at Health on Central to reflect this. Don’t just as RUOK. Ask ‘what can I do next to support you’ https://www.ruok.org.au/join-r-u-ok-day

14.01.2022 HEALTH ON CENTRAL IS GOING SUGAR FREE THIS SEPTEMBER!! ... well, some of us! Spring is upon us, and why not kick off the new season with a good cause? ... We are raising much needed funds for kids and adults living with the daily challenges of muscle wasting conditions like Muscular Dystrophy. It's a series of diseases which aren't commonly spoken about, and there's still so much to learn about the conditions and how we as the medical field can help. There's no link between sugar and Muscular Dystrophy, but it's a challenge we're excited to partake in! If you're interested in learning more - https://www.sugarfreeseptember.org.au/the-challenge Our team page - https://www.sugarfreeseptember.org.au/s/2347/2472 It's going to be an interesting, challenging month, but the team at Health on Central are excited to do it for a good cause Dr Kris

11.01.2022 We've lost power. Sorry if we don't get to your calls! We will update you ASAP. Sounds like it's not just us... Your patience is much appreciated!

10.01.2022 As of Monday September 28, we are re-opening our "Check" Clinic! This is the clinic where our experienced team of General Practitioners can assess your (possibly) infectious symptoms - coughs, colds, runny noses, sore throats, sore eyes, earaches, vomiting, diarrhoea, rashes... you name it! Even though we've not had COVID 19 in Mackay for six months now (go team!), we're still cautious that we don't want to be spreading any infectious disease - colds, flus and all sorts - to.../between our patients. You will still see the team at Health on Central, we'll just be wearing gloves, masks, and using standard precautions to keep you and your loved ones well! If you think you might benefit from a review, you can either call and book with reception after answering a few screening questions, or book a teleconsult with your regular doctor who will then be able to book you in if needed. Give us a call if you have any questions or concerns, but remember, even throughout the chaos, we're still here for you. - Dr Kris

10.01.2022 How cool is this? For the first time the Mackay Hospital pathology lab has the capacity to test COVID-19 swabs after the hospital received new equipment this we...ek. Previously, COVID-19 swabs from the region's testing sites had to be sent to Townsville to be tested, which meant patients had to wait a little longer for results than they will have to wait now. The Mackay Hospital and Health Service says the new machine, known as a Panther machine, can process 750 samples a day.

09.01.2022 Happy Easter everyone. The practice will be closed from Good Friday to Easter Monday. We will reopen Tuesday 6th April. We are all taking some much needed R&R. We delivered almost 500 Covid vaccinations on top of our normal patient care this past week. It has been a massive effort by our staff and next time you are in, please give thanks. Flu vaccines - must have a 2 week gap between covid and flu vaccines and we will start rolling them out from mid April. We will notify you when they are ready to go. We will be running flu clinics again this year. Happy Easter xx

07.01.2022 Woot Woot!! Congratulations to Dr June and Dr Kris on your fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practioners (RACGP). It takes a minimum of 9-10 years of study to become a GP. Lots of hard work, study and exams. We are so proud of you both xxx

07.01.2022 It has been a long month, but today marks the final day of Sugar Free September!! If you missed the memo, the team at Health on Central have been raising funds for a month to support Muscular Dystrophy NSW - by quitting sugar! There's no link between MD and sugar, but it was a great way to challenge ourselves and raise funds for a fantastic cause. We absolutely smashed our fundraising goal, so thank you to anyone and everyone who donated. It has made the month of cravings, ...missed birthday cakes, and struggles well worth it!! Our team page: https://www.sugarfreeseptember.org.au/fundr/healthoncentral - Drs Kris, Helen and Bec!

07.01.2022 Covid Vaccine Update #1 As the Covid Vaccine Rollout gets closer to Mackay we will keep you informed. How it looks at the moment (and yes things change it is Covid after all ). Its gonna get busy... - The Pfizer vaccine will be rolled out early/mid Feb from Cairns and Townsville hospitals in NQ at this stage. Fingers crossed that Mackay HHS will be included but we are considered low risk - In March/April we expect the Astra Zeneca vaccine to be rolled out through general p...ractice. Our first group will be over 70's, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and those with chronic disease. - The flu vaccine and covid will not be given at the same time. There will be a 2 week gap. - 1 month between the 2 doses of Covid vaccine - the vaccine is voluntary The rollout goes like this.. Phase 1a - Pfizer - Quarantine and border workers. - Frontline at-risk health care workers. - Residential aged care and disability care staff. - Residential aged care and disability care residents. Phase 1b Astra Zeneca - Adults over 70 years. - All other health care workers. (incl GP’s and nurses) - Begin vaccinating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. - Younger adults with an underlying medical condition, including those with a disability. - Critical and high risk workers including defence, police, fire, emergency services, and meat processing. Phase 2a - Adults over 50 years. - Continue vaccinating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. - Other critical and high risk workers. Phase 2b - Balance of adult population. - Catch up any unvaccinated Australians from previous phases. We are currently in planning to deliver the Covid and Flu vaccine to all of you so we can back to some sense of normal. We will be communicating with those to be vaccinated through social media, SMS and phone calls for the elderly grown ups. Hang in there. At least this year we know what we are dealing with. If you have any questions please refer to the website below or have a chat with your doctor prior to the vaccine rollout. Nicole x https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and/covid-19-vaccines

07.01.2022 "It follows an announcement from Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young, warning of one close contact of a Victorian case in the Mackay region"

06.01.2022 https://www.abc.net.au//coronavirus-queensland-wa/12627066

05.01.2022 Being a GP at HoC is only part of what we do. Our GP’s have special interests and roles to support the health of our community whether it be in health advocacy, education, operating assisting to name a few. Big shout out to Dr Kerry Last night for educating Mackay health professionals on Veterans health. Mackay has a large veterans community. You owned the floor and spoke from the heart. Our team learnt a lot and we are proud to stand beside you.

04.01.2022 As of today - Thursday October 01 2020 - Teleconsultation Rules and Legislation have changed Australia wide. You can still book a telephone consultation with the wonderful team here at Health on Central, but there may be a consultation fee now where as before the government may have subsidised the consult (and required doctors to Bulk Bill) if you fell in to one of several groups, including asthmatics, pregnant women, parents with children <1yo at home, and significant immunocompromise (to name a few). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our superb staff on 4955 0555.

04.01.2022 Christmas Opening Hours: Business as usual (almost) Wed 23rd 8:15am - 5pm Thur 24th 8:15am - 2pm... Fri 25th Merry Christmas Mon 28th Boxing Day Holiday Tues 29th 8:15am - 5pm Wed 30th 8:15am - 5pm Thur 31st 8:15am - 3pm Fri 1st - Happy New Year Day. Bring on 2021!! Thank you to our wonderful patients, who care for us, as we care for you. Merry Christmas

04.01.2022 Mackay Respiratory Clinic closure: The North Mackay GP-led Respiratory Clinic will be closing on Friday 25 September. The Australian Government-funded GP-led respiratory clinic opened in Mackay in May to support local GPs with patients who required further assessment and testing for coronavirus (COVID-19).... Over the last six months, the clinic assessed and tested community members experiencing possible COVID-19 symptoms and communicated back to their regular GP to support high quality ongoing care. The clinic, supported by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), has increased the capacity of the local health system, and reduced pressure on hospitals and frontline workers while there were active cases in the region. Health on Central GP Dr Nicole Higgins said the clinic not only helped to reduce the impacts of COVID-19 in the region, but also identified other respiratory conditions amongst community members. The North Mackay GP-led Respiratory Clinic has been proud to support Mackay general practices and the community over the past six months, Dr Higgins said. During this time, the North Mackay Respiratory Clinic Team has assessed and tested people for possible COVID-19 symptoms and liaised with their local GP. Many of those with respiratory symptoms required further GP management for problems such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and pneumonia. Working collaboratively with the Federal Government, NQPHN, local GPs, and Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) has enabled us to provide the right care, at the right place, at the right time for community members during the pandemic. I would like to thank BHP and Vanguard for their support and for setting up the drive-through clinic at the Mackay Showgrounds, which is now being managed by Mackay HHS. Community members experiencing respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or fatigue can phone ahead and make an appointment with their regular GP. Alternatively, they can visit the Mackay drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic located at the Mackay Showgrounds (entry via Milton Street) between 9am-4pm Monday to Friday. No referrals or appointments are necessary.

02.01.2022 If you have been in Brisbane since 2nd January you must self isolate for 3 days. Please do not come to the practice - we will telehealth with you instead Brisbane in lockdown for 3 days starting at 6pm https://www.abc.net.au//coronavirus-queensland-lo/13040436

01.01.2022 The Masks are on for another 2 weeks! We've really appreciated the effort you've all gone to to wear masks when attending your appointments - thank you. Let's help stop the spread and keep one another safe this Easter Long Weekend.