Apple Tree Medical - Smithfield

🌟 **Happy Father's Day!** 🌟

To all the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures, thank you for all that you do!

📢 Smithfield clinic phone disruption update 📢

Our Smithfield clinic is currently affected by NBN issues with Telstra, impacting our ability to receive phone calls.

While we wait for Telstra to resolve these issues, please contact the clinic on 074225 3212.

For all emergencies, please call 000 or present to your nearest emergency department.

We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

Thank you.

📢 Attention Smithfield Clinic Patients 📢

We're currently experiencing issues with incoming calls at our Smithfield clinic.

If you need to contact us before our phones are back up and running, please call our Cairns clinic on 40511074. They can relay a message to our reception team to call you back.

You can still make appointments online at www.appletreemedical.com.au.

For all emergencies please call 000 or present to your nearest emergency department.

Apologies for any inconvenience.

Apple Tree Medical Apple Tree Medical landing page

We are excited to welcome these 2 fantastic doctors to our care team.
To make an appointment call the surgery or book online at www.appletreemedical.com.au

Due to circumstances beyond our control our Smithfield Clinic will be closed today, Monday 8th January 2024.

We will resume normal opening hours from Tuesday 9th January 2024.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

In an Emergency please phone 000.

For all non urgent matter please call House Call Doctors on 135566.

We are looking for a casual medical receptionist to join our fabulous team.
Details on seek https://www.seek.com.au/job/72753998

We are looking for a casual medical receptionist to join our fabulous team.

Details on seek https://www.seek.com.au/job/72753998

🎉 Holiday Hours Update - Smithfield Clinic Only! 🎉

Dear valued patients,

Just a friendly reminder that we'll be taking a break on 1/1/24 and 3/1/24 to celebrate the New Year! 🎆

Don't worry, though—business will be running as usual on all other days. We wish you a safe and happy New Year filled with joy, and we can't wait to welcome you back in 2024! 🌟

👨‍⚕️ If you need a doctor during this time, reach out to House Call Dr at 13 55 66. In case of an emergency, please dial 000.

Cheers to a fantastic New Year! 🥂

🎉 Exciting News! Both clinics are BACK OPEN today! 💚 Our dedicated team is eager to resume caring for you. Thanks for your patience ✨

Smithfield - 40382777
Draper street - 40511074

🌟 Important Notice: Clinic Closure Due to Cyclone Jasper 🌪️

For the safety of our valued patients and dedicated staff, both our Smithfield and City clinic will remain closed today.

If you had a scheduled appointment at either clinic today we will reach out to you as soon as possible to reschedule.

If you are requiring a doctor during this period please phone House Call Doctor on 13 55 66 and in case of an emergency please phone 000

State Emergency Service (SES) for flood and storm emergency assistance 132 500

Stay tuned for further updates, and thank you for your understanding. We look forward to serving you once we can safely reopen our doors. Take care and stay safe!

Dear valued customers,

Due to the current cyclone watch we will be closed Wednesday 13/12/23 and depending on conditions we may be closed Thursday/Friday. In case of a medical emergency (police, fire, ambulance) please phone 000

State Emergency Service (SES) for flood and storm emergency assistance 132 500

We will reopen when safe to do so.

🎄 Christmas Holiday Hours Smithfield - Apple Tree Medical🎄

Dear valued customers,

As we celebrate the festive season, please take note of our adjusted operating hours:

🔒 Closed on the following dates:

Monday, Dec 18th, 2023
Wednesday, Dec 20th, 2023
Monday, Dec 25th, 2023
Tuesday, Dec 26th, 2023
Wednesday, Dec 27th, 2023

🎉 New Year Closure:

Monday, Jan 1st, 2024

We will be open on all other days with our regular hours. Your understanding is appreciated, and we wish you a joyful holiday season! 🌟

If you are requiring a doctor during this period please call House Call Doctor on 13 55 66 and in case of an emergency call 000

🌟 Introducing Dr Janice Jenkinson 🌟

At Apple Tree Medical, we are lucky to have Dr. Jenkinson as part of our team. Her loving and happy nature will instantly put you at ease during your visit. Originally from the UK, she completed her GP training there before making the move to Australia in 2018. ☀️

Dr. Jenkinson has a passion for general medicine, preventative care, and holistic approaches to health. With her expertise, you can trust that you'll receive comprehensive and personalised care. 🩺

Beyond the clinic, Dr. Jenkinson is an outdoor enthusiast—camping ⛺, traveling ✈️, and now, hang gliding at Rex Point lookout, redefining the concept of 'Flying doctors.' 🪂

She also supports her husband in his various charity bike rides 🚴‍♂️, showing her dedication to making a positive impact in the community.

If you're looking for a compassionate and knowledgeable GP, Dr. Janice Jenkinson is here for you. She's available at our Smithfield Clinic three days a week, you can visit our website to book online or simply give our Smithfield Clinic a call at 4038 2777 ✨

This Remembrance Day, take a moment to reflect on the Australian’s we have lost in war.

Originally known as Armistice Day, 11 November 1918 was the day the guns fell silent on the Western Front in the First World War.

105 years on we honour the more than 103,000 Australians who have lost their lives in wars, conflicts and peace operations.

Many Australians have an ancestor, relative, friend or neighbour who has served and perhaps died in a war or conflict. Others who don't have a personal connection to Australia's service history might see Remembrance Day as a time to reflect on the impact of war on Australia and around the world.

Whether you choose to commemorate Remembrance Day at home, or at a service in your local community, we encourage all Australians to pause for a minute’s silence at 11am to remember those who gave so much in service to our nation.

We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

📷: AWM A03267

🌟 Meet Teagan Stemp: Our Practice Manager! 🌟

She doesn't need much of an introduction but here it is anyway, the lovely Teagan Stemp who joined Apple Tree Medical 9 years ago 🤍 Originally from Newcastle, she found her way to sunny North Queensland at the age of 6. Teagan began her journey at Apple Tree Medical as a receptionist and, in 2022, she was proudly promoted to Practice Manager after undergoing additional training. Prior to being a receptionist at Apple Tree, Teagan worked as a dental assistant for the public health system.

In her role as Practice Manager, Teagan wears many hats, overseeing the administrative, financial, and operational aspects of our healthcare practice. Her mission is to ensure the delivery of top-quality patient care while maintaining smooth and compliant operations.

Beyond the office, Teagan is a devoted mother, spending her days off chasing her two beautiful children around the motocross track. 🏍

What's your favourite part of the job?
Connecting with patients and staff 🦋

What do you love doing?
Love being outdoors watching my sons ride Motorcross ✨

What show are you currently binging?
'Upload' 📺

We are so lucky to have Teagan a part of our team! She is truely beautiful inside and out 🤍

Appointments available this week at our Smithfield Clinic - Give us a call on 4038 2777 or visit our website to book online!

🌟 Meet Margaret Stewart, our Nurse Practitioner! 🌟

A nurse practitioner is an advanced registered nurse who works with physicians to assess and manage patients. They can refer patients to other healthcare professionals, prescribe medication, and order diagnostic tests.

Margaret is an integral part of our Apple Tree Medical, with over 30 years of nursing experience in a variety of healthcare settings. As a highly skilled and knowledgeable healthcare professional, she plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive care to our patients.

Margaret's capabilities extend to:

✅ Investigating and diagnosing health conditions
✅ Treating and managing a wide range of health issues
✅ Conducting advanced health assessments
✅ Organising radiology and pathology requests
✅ Referring to specialists when necessary
✅ Scripting medications as needed

She collaborates seamlessly with our general practitioners and nursing staff to ensure you receive the best possible care. While Margaret can address a broad scope of healthcare needs, there are some tests and prescriptions restricted by Medicare. If you have any questions about these limitations, our reception team is here to assist you when booking your appointment.

We're committed to offering you easily accessible, high-quality healthcare services. Scheduling an appointment with Margaret is easy - you can book online or simply give our Smithfield office a call at 4038 2777. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out!

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Did you know we are a Parkrun Practice? 🌳☀️

Join the global Parkrun movement, bringing people together for FREE, timed 5K runs in beautiful local parks. Whether you're a walker or a pro runner, Parkrun is for you! It's all about promoting physical activity, building community, and boosting well-being. 🤗 Simply register online, grab your unique barcode, and you're ready to participate in Parkrun events worldwide! 🌏 Cairns Parkrun takes place every Saturday at 7 AM along the scenic Cairns Esplanade.

But here's the bonus: Running isn't just good for the body; it's a mood booster too! 🧠🚀 When you run, your brain releases endorphins, giving you that incredible "runner's high".

Apple Tree Medical Directors Dr Elizabeth Chappel and James Lake are Parkrun regulars on Saturday mornings. They even encourage our staff to join in on the fun (if we can drag ourselves out of bed early enough)! ⏰😄

Ready to lace up those running shoes? 🏃‍♂️👟 Join us at the next Parkrun event and let's run, walk, or jog our way to better health! 🌟 🌳👏

At Apple Tree Medical, we are fortunate to have a team of dedicated and compassionate medical receptionists who play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our general practice 💖

They are the friendly faces that greet you with a warm smile as you walk through our doors and the organisational wizards who keep our appointments running smoothly.

Behind the desk, they are the backbone of our patient care, and we want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to our incredible medical receptionists for their hard work. 💐

To schedule an appointment, call us at:
📞 Smithfield: 4038 2777
📞 Draper Street: 4051 1074

Alternatively, you can conveniently book online at either of our clinics by visiting our website.

Breast screening saves lives by finding breast cancers early, when they’re more easily treated.

It's free for all women aged 40 and over, but is most effective for those aged 50-74.

If you have any health concerns or notice changes to your breasts, please see your GP immediately.

If you'd like to book online, visit: https://www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au/make-an-appointment.



ℹ️ Source:
Qld Gov. Breast cancer screening and prevention.

🌟 Celebrating the dedicated nurses of Apple Tree Medical! 🌟

Being a nurse is a profession full of challenges and we just want you to know how much we appreciate all that you do!

If you've ever been to one of our clinics, you know the exceptional care and warmth they provide. Meet Maureen and Lianne, valued members of our nursing team.

Registration for MyMedicare is now open!

If you have a valid Medicare or Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Veteran card and have had two or more appointments with the same practice in the last 24 months, you are eligible to register.

By registering, you can access longer telehealth consultations with your regular practice and GP from November 2023, and they can access additional funding to deliver the care you need.

For more information, visit 💻 health.gov.au/MyMedicare or talk to your GP.

One of the best ways to be kind to yourself is to be kind to others.❤️

Acts of kindness trigger the release of a chemical called oxytocin. This stimulates the area of your brain associated with social connection and trust, which makes you feel good. 🥰

Working small acts of kindness into your everyday life is one easy way to help strengthen your mental wellbeing. As an added benefit you'll also be making the world around you that little bit better! 🌸

Here are some simple ways you can show kindness:
✅ ask people how they are and really listen to their response
✅ compliment someone
✅ volunteer or join a community group
✅ introduce friends who you think might have something in common
✅ reach out to a friend or relative who may need support or company.

Why don't we get started right now? Tag someone in the comments and leave them a compliment! 👇



ℹ️ Sources:
Dear Mind (2023). Show Kindness
Healthdirect (2021). Acts of kindness and compassion

Apple Tree Medical Apple Tree Medical for all your primary health care needs

Bowel screening is a test for healthy people! 😊

Yes, you read that right. The free bowel screening test kit is designed for those aged 50 to 74 with no symptoms or family history of bowel cancer.

It'll find early signs of bowel cancer long before you notice any symptoms. If abnormalities are picked up early, they are usually much easier to treat. So, the test can literally be a lifesaver! 🛟

The test kit is sent to your address registered with Medicare and should arrive within 6 months of your 50th birthday. You'll then get one every two years. Most people send their tests back within a month — can you? ✉️

ℹ️ Source:
Queensland Government. Bowel cancer screening and prevention
Australian Government. National Bowel Cancer Screening Program

Listeria has been in the spotlight this week. But what is it, and how does it make you sick?

Listeriosis is an infection caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. 🦠

Listeriosis is a foodborne disease spread by eating contaminated food like ready-to-eat processed meats, soft cheeses, pre-prepared salads, raw vegetables, pate and shellfish. 🐔🧀🥗

It usually causes only a mild illness, but for vulnerable people (pregnant women, babies, people aged 65+ and people with weakened immune systems), listeriosis can lead to life-threatening conditions like meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain) and sepsis.

The best way to protect yourself is to be aware of high-risk foods, avoid them if you are at an increased risk of infection, and follow good food safety practices. 💯

If you experience any symptoms or have potentially been exposed to contaminated foods, it’s important to speak with a health professional. Prompt treatment with antibiotics can prevent serious complications of listeria infection.

If you are concerned that you may have listeriosis, please see your GP immediately. If in doubt, always call Triple Zero (000). ☎️

Check out our blog for more information: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/listeria-listeriosis-what-you-need-to-know-food-poisoning