Riverina Family Medicine in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia | Family doctor

Riverina Family Medicine

Locality: Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia

Phone: +61 2 6936 2088

Address: 139 Peter Street 2650 Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.riverinafamilymedicine.com.au

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• Medical and health
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• Family medicine practice
• Family doctor

25.01.2022 Testing for Covid 19 remains so important... here is a video with the latest information about whats involved. Testing is available at Wagga Base Hospital, GP Respiratory clinic at Glenfield, Douglas Hanley Moir pathology at Docker Medical and a Drive-Through clinic is available at Laverty Fernleigh road. You will need referrals for the pathology company testing from your GP. We know that working out the best place for you to go can be confusing, so if you need guidance, p...lease dont hesitate to call us here at RFM and our staff can assist. Take a look at the video for more info...you might also recognise some people and locations!

25.01.2022 Your BPs up, seems youre eating for two?.an appointment you need to keep! Or maybe youre planning to be eating for two? Most people realise that once they are pregnant, they should come and see their GP, but did you realise that its really useful to come and see us before you start trying to get pregnant? There are lots of things you can do during the planning stages of pregnancy to optimise your health, and that of the child you are hoping to conceive. From blood t...ests to check you are immune to important diseases, ensuring your usual screening tests are up to date, getting accurate information on appropriate diet, exercise, vitamin supplements and all the other things that you need to think about.this is an ideal time to come and see your GP and get you in the best health for trying to have a baby. Family Planning NSW has put together some useful information. Heres the link for you to check it out. https://www.fpnsw.org.au//a/PRE%20PREGNANCY%20PLANNING.pdf

24.01.2022 Please don't feel that you are alone in this. We are here for you. Your GP is a good place to start, or any of the excellent services available such as: Beyond Blue - Ph 1300 224 636; Lifeline - Ph 13 11 14; Mens Line Australia - ph 1300 78 99 78; Kids Help Line - ph 1800 55 1800

24.01.2022 If you become unwell over the weekend, don't wait until Monday to arrange testing. These are the weekend options available in Wagga, and please remember to wear a mask when attending the testing centres: Pop up testing at the Showground - see link below Laverty Pathology Drive through testing - 9am - 5pm 7 days per week at 53 Fernleigh Road. A referral is not required.... Or call the Covid Hotline on 1800 831 099 or 1800 171 866 for elderly persons.

24.01.2022 "We know youre all corona smart, and are in the groove Youve stayed at home, 2 arms apart, and flu shots are on the move Are you on medications that need regular monitoring? Have you been worried about whether your medication is going to be in short supply across this period of time?... Theres been lots of publicity over the last few months about medications that might be difficult to get. In addition, there are some medications that suppress peoples immune systems, and this has made many patients nervous about what to do about their medications. If you are worried about your medications for any reason, please make an appointment to talk to us about them-dont just stop a medication, or skip the blood tests that you have to have for it! Rheumatology Australia has put out some excellent information for people on immunosuppressant medications, and what to do across this time.. https://rheumatology.org.au/docu/COVID-19advicev4.2_000.pdf

24.01.2022 It's "R U OK Day?" today! In these crazy times, it's more important than ever to ask that question of friends, family, neighbours, co-workers - anyone, and really listen to their answer. Let's make a difference together.

24.01.2022 Given the recent developments, there is increased demand for Covid testing, and it can sometimes be difficult to obtain an appointment at the testing centres on the same day, as they are extremely busy. If you have upper respiratory symptoms and think you may need a Covid swab, please contact us as early as possible to arrange a telephone consultation for a referral. We are keeping early appointments available for this, as it is our best chance of securing same day testing for you. We open at 8.30am. Please remember when presenting for your swab, or any other medical treatment, to wear a mask and return home immediately afterwards, self isolating at home, until you receive a negative test result. Let's keep each other safe!

23.01.2022 Yes, our phones are playing up again!!!! Gosh, we miss the good old reliable copper wire telephone service!!! This NBN phone service that we have is very poor. This is an issue across many businesses this morning and we have no phone or fax service. The engineers are working to resolve this and we hope that it won't take too long!! If you have an appointment, please come into the rooms instead of attempting to phone from your car.

23.01.2022 Your pap smears due, your weights ballooned , you just cant get to sleep? New Years Resolution gone out the window? Are you amongst the many who have noticed your diets changed, your exercise is less and the Dan Murphys delivery is far too easy and frequent? We all know that we feel better when were eating well and exercising regularly, and that it is beneficial for our health. This has been a really tough time to keep up our healthy lifestyle goals, and weve ...all got to be kind to ourselves. However, there are strategies to help keep on top of your diet and exercise. We can help you work on these, and personalise an approach for you. The NSW Get Healthy Service has some great tips on how to use meal plans to help with your diet as well as some tips about exercise options that are available across these times. They also offer a free coaching service that could be used in conjunction with seeing us, to really help get you on track.

22.01.2022 A big thank you to all those involved in our promotional video! Murrumbidgee Local Health District LHAC Glenrock Country Practice Kooringal Medical Centre Blam...ey St Surgery Hammond Health Riverina Family Medicine Central Wagga Medical and Skin Clinic Wagga Wagga Medical Centre Morgan Street Healthcare Clinic #WellPeople #ResilientCommunities See more

22.01.2022 PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT NSW Health is directing patrons and staff who attended the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club on Monday 13 July, Wednesday 15 July, Thursday 16 July... and Friday 17 July, to immediately be tested for COVID-19 and self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of symptoms. Everyone must stay in isolation for a full 14 days even if their test is negative. Anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms should also be retested, even if they have had a negative result previously. Patrons and staff who attended the Soldiers Club on Tuesday 14 July are being advised to monitor for symptoms and seek testing if symptoms develop. The change in advice is due to the identification of four new cases linked to the club today; one staff member, two cases who dined at the club and one case who is a close contact of the previously reported cases. Four cases who dined at the club had previously been reported, all members of the same family. One of the eight cases is a local resident. Contact tracing for all those who attended the club during this period is underway and investigations continue. To ensure people can get tested quickly, Southern NSW Local Health District (LHD) will continue testing in Batemans Bay through a COVID-19 pop-up clinic at the Hanging Rock Oval Car Park (near the function centre) on Beach Road, Batemans Bay. An additional pop-up clinic will be operational in Batemans Bay from the morning of Monday 20 July to further boost testing capacity. Anyone feeling unwell even with the mildest of symptoms such as a runny nose or scratchy throat is urged to seek testing and self-isolate. Do not go to work or catch public transport until you are cleared of COVID-19. A full list of COVID-19 testing clinics is available here: https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-an/clinics or people can visit their GP. Anyone feeling unwell even with the mildest of symptoms such as a runny nose or scratchy throat is urged to seek testing and self-isolate. Do not go to work or catch public transport until you are cleared of COVID-19. Additional clinics in the LHD include Goulburn Base Hospital, Queanbeyan District Hospital, Eurobodalla Health Service (Moruya), South East Regional Hospital, Cooma District Hospital, Jindabyne Clinic and Yass District Hospital, with pop-up clinics at Malua Bay, Merimbula and Crookwell.

21.01.2022 If you have any respiratory symptoms, such as fever, cough or runny nose, testing is available today at Apex Park for Covid 19 from 9.30 - 3pm. Remember to stay at home and self isolate until your swab results come back and until symptoms have resolved.

18.01.2022 If we are unavailable and you need to get COVID-19 information and help, it can be difficult to find out who to contact. Here's a quick reference guide. Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line provides information and support to senior Australians, their families and their carers. Call Monday Friday, except public holidays, from 8.30am 6pm. Call: 1800 171 866 General COVID-19 Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Call: 1800 020 080... Or visit NSW Health website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19 If you have any respiratory symptoms, you should get tested, and stay at home until your test results are back, and your symptoms have resolved. Let's keep each other safe!

18.01.2022 It's so easy to become complacent now, when our region has, thankfully, had no active cases of Covid19 for some time. However we all still need to be aware and follow the guidelines currently in place. Melbourne has shown us how quickly it can escalate and get out of control. Yes, we are still asking people to wait in their car to reduce the number of people in the building, for your safety and ours. Please call us once you have arrived so that we know that you are there. ... If you can't get through, or don't have a mobile phone, just pop in to tell us and we will work it out with you. We do understand that it can be difficult, especially in this cold weather, so please come prepared. Bring a book perhaps, warm clothes or a rug, and please, keep your phone available and not on silent so that we can contact you. We will do our best to not keep you waiting long. Let's all continue to stay safe. Thanks, RFM

15.01.2022 Your itchy nose, your crunchy kneePick up the phone and book Have you been ignoring a new symptom, or a change in your body? Thinking about making an appointment to get something checked out.but worried that its not the right time? Dont sit at home and worry. Its really important that everyone continues to see us for all the things they usually would. In many situations, that new lump/bump/spot/cough etc is nothing to worry about, and getting it checked will help ...to give you some answers and relieve your concerns. In the event that it is something worrying, the sooner it is diagnosed, the sooner we can work out how to treat it. Cancer Australias Cancer cant wait program has recently been launched to remind people to see their doctors for new symptoms.

15.01.2022 If youve watched the TV, or listened to the radio in the last few weeks, youve probably seen ads from the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network and the RACGP reminding people to continue to see GPs for all of their health care needs. Coronavirus has had such an impact on how everyone is thinking about health and contact with health services that we are worried people are ignoring their other health needs. Whether those are acute symptoms, chronic illnesses that need regular review or preventative health strategies.we want you to know that we are here, and that you should come and see us. Therefore, over the next week, we are going to give you a few reminders and prompts

14.01.2022 Amazing outcome to social distancing and hand hygiene! Keep up the great work everyone!!!

13.01.2022 Spring Thunderstorm season People in the Murrumbidgee area who have breathing difficulties related to asthma and hay fever need to prepare now for the start of the spring thunderstorm season. Asthma flare-ups traditionally increase in spring throughout the Murrumbidgee due to high pollen counts, in conjunction with thunderstorm-related weather conditions.... The key message for people who wheeze and sneeze when preparing for spring is to visit their GP or specialist for an assessment, obtain a current medication prescription and a written Asthma Action Plan and then to use them. People with asthma are encouraged to register to receive alerts via email and/or SMS on peak danger days at science.csu.edu.au/asthma. The Spring Thunderstorm Asthma Awareness Campaign starts this month and is promoted annually by the Murrumbidgee Asthma & COPD Collaborative which includes representatives from Murrumbidgee Local Health District, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, Charles Sturt University, Asthma Foundation NSW, and community groups interested in asthma.

13.01.2022 It can be easy to put aside your routine health issues in these uncertain times, however it is extremely important that you do not neglect your general health. Little problems can become big problems if left unattended, and a previously well managed condition can get quickly out of control if ignored. We work hard to make RFM a safe place for you. If you are vulnerable, or are worried about attending the surgery, we can still help with a telephone consultation. Give us a call and our staff will work with you to ensure that you receive the healthcare you need. Remember, we are always available to help you.

12.01.2022 It's been one of those days at RFM! Thankfully our phones are working again now - but not our faxes it seems! Thank you for your patience. We have really appreciated it, and hopefully the changes we have made will make your life easier as well as ours. Our staff are really looking forward to knock off time tonight!

12.01.2022 RFM are pleased to announce that DHM have re-opened their pathology collection centre in our rooms as of today - Monday 6 July 2020. We have really missed them! The collection centre is open Monday to Friday from 9am - 2.30pm.

12.01.2022 THUNDERSTORM ASTHMA Be advised that there is an active thunderstorm asthma alert current for the Riverina. If you have asthma even if it’s usually mild, please make sure you have your asthma puffer with you at all times this weekend. Remember to follow the asthma management plan you have worked on with your doctor... And if you or anyone you are with has asthma symptoms and are not sure what you do then follow the asthma first aid plan below. https://www.google.com.au/imgres

11.01.2022 So those with chronic illnesses, whose check ups now are due You need your bloods, your pills, your plan? We want to hear from you. Do you have diabetes? Are you due for your check up and medications, but worried about attending appointments at the moment? Its really important that you keep on top of your diabetes across this time-make an appointment with us to update your scripts, as well as your sick day plan and we can address any of your concerns.... Diabetes Australia has some excellent information about being prepared and staying health across this period too.. See more

11.01.2022 Edit: We are back to normal service now. Thank you all for your patience! RFM Apparently it's Terrible Tuesday for our phone service again. This is an issue across many businesses this morning and we have no phone or fax service. The engineers are working to resolve this and we hope that it won't take too long!! If you have an appointment, please come into the rooms instead of attempting to phone from your car.

10.01.2022 There have recently been some important Medicare changes that the government have introduced. From 1 October, the Telehealth mandatory bulk billing incentive was removed from General Practice, and the government halved the bulk billing incentive for children and pensioners, returning it to pre Covid rates. From the outset, we chose to Bulk Bill all Telehealth, even for those not eligible for the bulk bill incentives, because we felt it was the right thing to do in these extr...aordinary circumstances. We have continued this for as long as possible, however it is not financially sustainable long term. Therefore from today, 9 November 2020, billing of Telehealth will fall in line with our usual private billing policy. You will be able to pay for your consultation with a credit card over the phone following your consultation and we will still be able to process your Medicare rebate on your behalf. We recognise that there has been significant impact on employment for many families. If you are suffering from financial distress, please discuss this with your doctor. We want you to always be able to seek medical help when you need it. As a small business we, like everyone, are impacted by this crisis and thank you for your ongoing support.

10.01.2022 With Spring just around the corner, we are about to add Hay Fever and Asthma into the crazy 2020 mix. Here is some really great information that is worth the read. https://asthma.org.au/about/live-with-asthma/spring-asthma/

10.01.2022 But lifes not all Coronavirus, despite our daily news And health care goes beyond this phase, so heres some more to muse Today our take home message is quite direct and quick Do not ignore your health care needs, or else you will get sick... The World Organisation of Family Doctors (WONCA), has declared today to be World Family Doctor Day with the theme of first in, last out in patient care. In a week where we are reminding everyone that we are here, and want to help address all of your health care needs, it almost seems that theyve been listening to our little ditty! GPs are the first point of contact for so many things in life and we are able to be a constant presence until the end -whether that end be the end of a particular health issue, the celebration of the arrival of a new baby and the new beginnings that brings, the end of a personal (or international!) health crisis, or the end of life. This is a role unique to GPs and their teams, and one that we dont often recognise. The coronavirus pandemic has certainly highlighted the pivotal role GPs play in caring for the community. We want to remind you that this role is not isolated to coronavirus care, but to all your health needsand so instead of prompting those with heart disease to come for their check ups, we thought today was a good day to put up the World Family Doctor Day logo to remind you to come and see us..

09.01.2022 Edit: The phones appear to be functioning properly again. Fingers crossed it continues. Thank you for your patience. Apparently it's Terrible Tuesday for our phone service again. This is an issue across many businesses this morning and we have no phone or fax service. The engineers are working to resolve this and we hope that it won't take too long!!

08.01.2022 So call our staff, and make a time, so things dont get out of whack. Remember, across these crazy times, RFM has got your back. We know we havent been subtle over the last two weeks, but were sure youve got the idea. RFM is a safe, clean, friendly practice with appropriate procedures in place to continue to look after you and your family for ALL your health care needs. So, give us a call you know we have your back!

08.01.2022 Our appointment options vary, safe and appropriate is our creed Theres telehealth or face to face, to meet each patients need Has all this publicity about Coronavirus made you really nervous about your lung disease? ... Winters a challenging time for people with lung disease even without Coronavirus thrown in. We like to optimise peoples respiratory health, and ensure you have an action plan for if things change at all. Our rooms are set up to safely arrange appointments for you, so please make an appointment and let us help you work out a plan to keep on top of your lung disease. The Lung Foundation has some excellent information about Coronavirus and lung disease, and highlights the need to stay connected with your healthcare team, and have an action plan

07.01.2022 We are changing our phone provider in an attempt to fix our phone problems once and for all. Unfortunately, this means that we will be without a phone service for approximately 30 - 40 minutes at some stage this morning. If you have an appointment with us early this morning, please come into the rooms to let us know that you are here. You can still book on line through our website https://riverinafamilymedicine.com.au Hopefully it won't be long until our phones are back up and running. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. Thanks

07.01.2022 Our own Dr Trudi Beck will be on Prime News tonight in relation to this study, aimed at assessing the impact of bushfires and Covid 19 on mother's and babies. Here's some further information on this valuable study if you would like to participate. https://medicalschool.anu.edu.au//mother-and-child-2020-mc

06.01.2022 Your lumps and bumps, your fears, your pains or if you feel plain crook Dr Lee Jeffery Were you suffering from a mental health condition before coronavirus arrived? Has the impact of coronavirus on your life started to take a toll on your mental health? Do you feel out of sorts? These are unprecedented times, and there has been lots of publicity about the impact of social and economic restrictions on the mental health of our community. For those who were already suffe...ring from mental health diseases, many of the usual strategies and supports have changed, leaving you uneasy about your treatment plan. Please remember that we are here and are able to help with all your mental health concerns-whether they be related to coronavirus or not. There are many useful resources, such as this one from Beyond Blue, with excellent tips for helping protect your mental health..including seeing us @ RFM!! https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au//10-ways-to-take-car

06.01.2022 We would like you to join with us in welcoming Dr Alison Gilmour and Dr Sally Johnson to Team RFM! Both Alison and Sally will be working part time at RFM, juggling family life with work life. We are really excited to have you both with us.

05.01.2022 Are you spending the school holidays in Victoria? Please note the latest COVID-19 restrictions including border closure and self-isolation. For more information, visit: nsw.gov.au/covid-19

05.01.2022 Something as simple as opening a door, holding a railing, lifting weights or pressing a lift button, can lead to the spread of COVID-19. Dont forget to wash yo...ur hands to protect you and your loved ones. Its up to all of us to keep healthy and well. https://www.nsw.gov.au/c/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others

04.01.2022 Do I need to get my family tested for coronavirus every time one of us has a runny nose this winter? This is a good article from the ABC explaining who should be tested for Covid19. https://www.abc.net.au//when-to-get-a-coronavirus/12388326

02.01.2022 We have been overwhelmed by the kindness of our patients who continue to make us smile on a daily basis, often with words of kindness, and treats to keep us going on challenging days. We appreciate every one of you!! Today we have received this beautiful arrangement of flowers from an anonymous patient who just wanted to say thank you on behalf of all of our patients! So to that person - whoever you are - on behalf of all of the team from RFM, and all of our patients, THANK YOU! You have made our day. And a special shout out also to Kelly from Flower Talk Wagga for arranging and delivering the gorgeous flowers this morning.

01.01.2022 As the Corona virus situation develops, we are encouraging our patients to purchase some masks, either disposable or reusable, to have as part of your normal first aid kit at home. If you develop any Upper Respiratory symptoms such as a temperature, cough or a sore throat, and need leave your home for medical treatment, you have them ready to wear. Disposable masks are available from most pharmacies, Bunnings, and some shops. People are becoming inventive with reusable masks, there are some talented people making masks and selling them online, though it can be difficult to know what to buy. This is a link to some sensible mask information. Remember though that if you are unwell, please stay at home until your symptoms have resolved, unless you are going out for medical treatment, and don't forget to wash your hands!