Launceston Medical Centre

Are you one of the 34% of Tasmanians who has received an influenza vaccination this year?

As detailed on Nightly News 7 Tasmania, it's not too late to protect yourself ahead of the peak flu season, expected in August and September.

At Launceston Medical Centre, we are dedicated to keeping you and your family healthy. That's why we hold 3 vaccine clinics every week for patients requiring routine vaccinations, including:

💉 Influenza Vaccine
💉 COVID Vaccine
💉 Shingles Vaccine
💉 Routine Childhood Vaccines

👉 Book Your Vaccination Appointment via
https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/launceston-TAS-7250/launceston-medical-centre/doctors/immunisation-clinic-16

Nightly News - Tuesday 8th July 2024 Nightly News on 7 Tasmania is the state’s most watched and trusted news service. Watch live, daily at 6pm, or catch-up on local news stories here on YouTube.

📞 Exciting News for Tasmanian Parents! 🌟

You can now freecall 1300 TAS BUB (1300 827 282) between 7:00am and 11:00pm, seven days a week! Get telephone support and guidance from a specialist Tresillian child and family health nurse.

This is a wonderful initiative ahead of the Tresillian Early Parenting day and residential services, currently being built right here at the Launceston Health Hub!

We are incredibly grateful Amber, a talented Grade 8 student from Scotch Oakburn College, for creating some truly amazing activity sets for our waiting rooms. 🎨📚✏️ Your creativity and hard work will bring much joy and engagement to our youngest visitors! Thank you for thinking of us!

Thank you to all the beautiful artists who have contributed to our temporary wall that's up while we finish our new consulting rooms! Your creativity and talent have truly brightened up our space.

Almost as good as our ecosystem wall that KreamArt did for us last year! 😉🤣

Stay tuned for more updates on our new consulting rooms. We can't wait to share them with you!

✨Throwback Thursday! ✨

Who can recognise this handsome young face?!
Bonus points for the place and year!

🥂🥂Cheers to 40 years 🥂🥂

Yesterday we took a moment to celebrate an amazing career achievement for our beautiful Lynne who began her career in general practice 40 years ago!

Her devotion and dedication is truly remarkable and we certainly appreciate all that she has contributed over the years.💖

Well folks, this is what 1 MILLION kilos of concrete looks like! 🫨🫨🫨

What an epic effort from the team at Vos Group, along with their contractors who have been working through the night to complete the pour!
🚧🚛

We could not be more excited about having Tresillian Early Parenting onsite, right here in Launceston! Thank you to CEO, Professor Rob Mills and Guy Barnett for popping by yesterday to see our building progress!

Awesome to celebrate Mother’s Day by checking on progress at the Launceston Health Hub and plans for the four-bed Mother Baby Centre with Tresillian Early Parenting CEO, Professor Rob Mills.
The new Tresillian Centre will open in May 2025 and will enable many more families the opportunity to receive the support they need closer to where they live.

🌟 A huge shoutout to all the incredible nurses at the Launceston Health Hub! 🌟

Today, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated nurses who work tirelessly at the General Practice (including our Chronic Disease team), Skin Cancer Clinic, Women’s Health Clinic, Chronic Disease Unit, and Urgent Care facilities. Your unwavering commitment to providing compassionate care and support to all patients does not go unnoticed.

Your hard work, professionalism, and endless kindness do not go unnoticed. Thank you for your dedication, your expertise, and your unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our community. We are grateful for everything you do, today and every day.

To all the nurses at the Launceston Health Hub, thank you for being the everyday heroes that you are. Your care and compassion make a difference in the lives of so many, and we are truly grateful for all that you do. A special thanks to Sarah and Nikki who have just finished in urgent care today!

✨Building Update 🏗🏥✨

We're taking healthcare to new heights at our Health Hub build, and this coming Tuesday marks a major milestone!

The level 3 concrete floor will be poured into the blue area pictured here. Can you guess how many standard concrete truck loads will be used? 🚛🚛🚛

Share your best estimate in the comments below! Let's see who can get it right!

Pictures courtesy of Vos Group

Our practice is closed today while the awesome team at Peak Computer work on our new server room.

This significant investment helps us to ensure your health information is as safe as it can possibly be! Thanks for your understanding.

🟢 The Respiratory Clinic will be open from 9am - 12:30pm
🟢 The Launceston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will be open 2pm - 8pm.

🌟 2024 Flu Vaccination Clinics are underway! 🌟

Stay ahead of the flu season and protect yourself and your loved ones with our 2024 Flu vaccination clinics! 💉✨

📅 We understand your busy schedules, so we've made it convenient by offering after-school, evening and weekend appointments!
💪 Plus, if you're due for a COVID booster, you can get it done at the same time for added efficiency. Two birds, one stone! 🦠💉
🔗 Book your appointment now via https://hotdoc.com/k5rc3kzmk and secure your spot to safeguard your health this season.

You know you're a Tasmanian doctor when..... 🐾

A bite by a Tasmanian devil isn’t the typical case at a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC). 🐾

But when a tourist recently visited the Launceston UCC after getting nipped at a wildlife park, she was treated by a GP whose passion is expedition medicine. ⛰️

UCCs are where you go when you can’t wait to see your GP but don’t need the emergency department (ED). Think minor fractures and sprains, UTIs, cuts, bites, rashes, burns, gastrointestinal issues and respiratory illnesses. Tasmania has four UCCs, which are supported by the Department of Health. 🏥

This was the second Tasmanian devil bite that Dr Dan has attended since he began as a GP in 2020.

“The patient had travelled to witness the incredible ecosystems of Tasmania and was so excited to see the unique animal that she leaned over the enclosure to take a photo on her mobile phone,” Dan recalls. The Tasmanian devil jumped and bit the phone and she also received a glancing bite to the hand.

“She was excited to go home and tell the story! She just needed some urgent medical care to ensure she didn’t have any Tasmanian devil bacteria in her hand. The UCC was able to provide a non-ED care pathway for her to be treated, even though it wasn’t a Medicare bulk-billed event.”

🛳️ Dan came to expedition medicine via a previous career in climate change research, collecting data aboard research ships and planes. He was mostly in Colorado, USA where he also worked as a mountain rescue specialist. He returned home to Queensland to study medicine and become a wilderness and expedition doctor, and came to Tasmania as a medical intern. He now teaches expedition medicine at the University of Tasmania School of Medicine, is the medical officer of the local ski patrol, and recently achieved a Fellowship with the Academy of Extreme Environment Medicine. 🌟

“The UCC work is a perfect fit to hone acute care skills for expeditions,” Dan says. “I get to discuss cases with my nursing and GP colleagues and learn from them. I see the benefits for my Launceston ED doctor colleagues, when i prevent someone from presenting to the ED. My goal is to keep people out of the ED because i know the struggles they have in long waiting times and bed block.”

Remember to respect our wildlife, even in parks and give them the space they deserve. 💚

ℹ️ For locations and info on Medicare UCC, please visit: https://www.health.tas.gov.au/patients/know-your-treatment-options-right-care-right-place/medicare-urgent-care-clinics

🌟 Meet the Dedicated Team Behind Well aHEAD! 🌟

We are excited to introduce you to the compassionate professionals who make up our Well aHEAD program at Launceston Health Hub. Well aHEAD is a FREE mental health service specially designed to meet the unique needs of vulnerable clients from all walks of life, including:

✨ People who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
✨ People experiencing homelessness
✨ Those living with a disability
✨ People who identify as LGBTIQA+
✨ People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Our team is committed to working with individuals to achieve their specific mental health goals through short-term interventions. Meet the incredible members of our team:

👩‍⚕️ Mental Health Worker: Geraldine Crisp
👨‍⚕️ Registered Nurse: Bec Reid
👩‍⚕️Accredited Mental Health Social Worker: Karen Pennington-Smith
👩‍⚕️ GP: Dr Sarah Shepherd

This service is provided with funding from the Department of Health and NO referral is required.
Please note that Well aHEAD is not suitable for crisis management.

For more information and to book an appointment, visit https://launcestonhealthhub.com.au/well-ahead/ or phone 03 6310 8300.

Let's work together towards better mental well-being! 💙

🌟 Development Update 🌟

We are thrilled to announce that the Tasmanian Liberals have committed to making our dream a reality! With their support , we are one step closer to establishing a much-needed mother-baby unit, right here in Launceston.

The welcome commitment from the Liberals will see partnership with parental support provider, Tresillian Early Parenting to establish a four-bed service if re-elected. This vital service will be the first of it's kind for Launceston and will be located on level four of our Health Hub expansion, currently under construction.

For years, doctors at the Launceston Health Hub have recognised the desperate need for a facility of this kind. Dr Jaclyn O’Keefe has been particularly passionate about the service, reflecting on both personal and professional experiences. This has become even more apparent following the recent closure of St Helens Private Hospital in Hobart.

"From the early stages of planning the health hub expansion, we have been working with the incredible team at Tresillian" says Dr O'Keefe.

Tresillian is a not-for-profit early parenting service, offering invaluable guidance and support to families in their early years, including breastfeeding, baby settling, post-natal depression, and nutrition.

"Funding is crucial to ensure this vital service is accessible to all. We are grateful for the commitment from the Tasmanian Liberal Party, and we remain hopeful that an experienced provider like Tresillian will soon be established for the first time here in Launceston"

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue on this journey to support new parents and their precious little ones! 🌸

🌟 2024 Flu Vaccination Clinics are open for bookings! 🌟

Stay ahead of the flu season and protect yourself and your loved ones with our 2024 Flu vaccination clinics! 💉✨

📅 We understand your busy schedules, so we've made it convenient by offering after-school, evening and weekend appointments!

💪 Plus, if you're due for a COVID booster, you can get it done at the same time for added efficiency. Two birds, one stone! 🦠💉

🔗 Book your appointment now via https://hotdoc.com/k5rc3kzmk and secure your spot to safeguard your health this season.

Hold onto your capes, folks! We've got a bit of a spectacle at the Launceston Medical Centre, but fear not – it's not a new superhero in disguise, just our very own Dr. Hok Smoak rocking his own Clark Kent-inspired transformation! 💪✨

Yes, you read that right! Dr. Smoak has bravely embarked on his own heroic journey, shedding his, err…. ‘luscious locks’ and bushy beard for a noble cause – World's Greatest Shave! 💇‍♂️🦸‍♂️ And now, as he steps into the limelight with his fresh look, he's feeling a bit unsure about his alter ego. But fear not! We've got the power to make him feel like the superhero he truly is! 🌟

Let's shower Dr. Smoak with love, support, and heaps of encouragement! 🥳👏 Show him just how proud we are of his fearless act of solidarity in the fight against blood cancer! Let’s boost his spirits and remind him that he's our real-life hero, cape or no cape! 💙

And for those eager to join the cause and make a difference, look no further! Feel free to make a donation to Dr. Smoak's World's Greatest Shave page via the link below. Every little bit helps in our quest to conquer cancer! 🎗️💰

http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/hoksmoak

💥 Together, we can support Dr. Smoak and spread love and hope far and wide! 🦸‍♂️❤️

👶🏼💕 Calling all Tasmanians! 👶🏼💕

Are you ready to make a difference for mothers and babies in our beautiful island state?

👍 Like this post if you'd like to see mother-baby unit beds implemented across Tasmania.

❤️ Love, comment, and share if you're enthusiastic about the idea of having a cutting-edge mother-baby unit right here in Launceston! Picture this: 4 beds, each attached with nurseries, providing top-notch care for new mothers and their little bundles of joy. And guess what? It would be the first of its kind in Launceston!

We’re excited to see this topic evolving among the election promises. Let’s ensure the politicians see how much we want this right here in Launceston.

Let’s spread the word and show our support for this wonderful initiative for the Launceston Community! Share your thoughts and let's make this dream a reality! 🌟

🌸✨ Celebrating International Women's Day at Launceston Medical Centre! ✨🌸

Today, we're donning a splash of pink to honor the incredible women in our lives and around the world. 💖 We're also joining hands to support a cause close to our hearts.

In the spirit of giving, we've swapped gold coins for delicious cupcakes to raise money for Laurel House - a not-for-profit organisation that provides sexual assault support across North, North-East and North West Tasmania. 🧁💛

We've had delicious fun spreading a little love and support this International Women's Day! 🌟

Today, we have received commitment from the state Liberal and Labor parties to support our two-phase initiative to significantly expand health services for the Launceston community.

Phase one will see 20 hospital beds being built on level 3 of our next door build, with completion expected by mid-2025. These beds will be leased to the LGH, which will staff and run the space, helping to address issues with bed-blocking.

Phase two will come to fruition in 2026 with the introduction of a state-of-the-art private hospital (depicted in the attached image). This will be the first private hospital built in Tasmania in more than three decades and will boast four theatres, two endoscopy units, and 20 overnight beds.

The location of the private hospital will be 215 Wellington Street (where Urgent Care currently resides). The hospital will be co-owned and operated by local specialists, providing long-term opportunities for attracting and retaining high-quality specialists in Launceston.

We are incredibly proud of these developments and the positive impact they will have on our community's healthcare landscape. We will keep you updated on the progress of these projects as we move forward!

🏥 Exciting News Alert! 🎉 We are absolutely thrilled to announce a groundbreaking 2-phase development project aimed at enhancing healthcare services in the Launceston community!

Phase 1 will see the addition of 20 new hospital beds by mid-2025, providing much-needed capacity to accommodate patients and ensure timely access to quality care.

🌟 Phase 2 will introduce a state-of-the-art private hospital, as depicted in the stunning image attached. This cutting-edge facility will boast 4 operating theaters, two endoscopy units, and an additional 20 beds for overnight patients, revolutionising healthcare delivery in our area.

We're committed to continually improving healthcare accessibility and quality for our community, and this development is a testament to that commitment. Stay tuned for more updates as we progress towards a healthier future together!

Public-private partnership pitched to ease bed block, cut wait lists Health Hub operator steps up to offer alternative to failed project.

As you're preparing for the week ahead, why not take a moment to check your regular medication and see if new prescription is required.

Did you know that you can request your regular medications conveniently from the palm of your hand! 📱💊 Simply log in to the Hotdoc app, and send your request directly to your doctor!

✅ Effortless Convenience: Request your prescriptions anytime, anywhere, with just a few taps on your smartphone.
✅ Direct Communication: Your prescription request goes straight to your doctor, bypassing reception, ensuring a faster response and smoother process.
✅ Streamlined: Our software enables ePrescriptions straight to your phone – no need to come in to collect a paper copy!
✅ Peace of Mind: Rest assured that your prescription requests are secure and handled with the utmost care by your trusted healthcare provider.

Please note that this service is only available for regular medications prescribed during a recent consultation (typically within the last 6 months). For safety reasons, scheduled medications (such as benzodiazepines and pain medications), cannot be requested online.

To request your prescription, visit 👉http://tinyurl.com/LMCScripts

💪💊 🌟

🌍✈️ Planning an Adventure? Don't Forget Your Health Check-up! 🩺💉

Are you gearing up for an exciting journey abroad? ✈️ Whether it's a thrilling backpacking expedition or a relaxing vacation, your health should always be a top priority.

Before jetting off to explore distant lands, it's crucial to schedule a travel medicine consultation. 📅 This appointment ensures you're equipped with the right knowledge, advice, and immunisations to stay healthy and safe during your travels.

✅ Here's what a travel medicine consultation can help you with:
1️⃣ Personalised health advice tailored to your destination and itinerary.
2️⃣ Essential vaccinations to protect against local diseases.
3️⃣ Tips on staying healthy while abroad, including food and water safety.
4️⃣ Information on managing jet lag, altitude sickness, and other travel-related health concerns.
5️⃣ Prescription medications or preventive measures for specific health risks.

Remember, prevention is key when it comes to enjoying a worry-free adventure! So, don't hesitate to book your travel medicine consultation well in advance of your departure date. Your future self will thank you for taking proactive steps to safeguard your health while exploring the wonders of the world! 🌏✨

For more info or to book an appointment, please visit https://ltmi.com.au/

Safe travels and stay healthy, everyone! 🙌

WTB
(asking for a friend) 🤣🤭🛴

🚨☕ Attention, coffee lovers! ☕🚨

We've got a mystery brewing in the staff room... It seems our coffee cups have gone on an adventure of their own! 🕵️‍♂️☕🕵️‍♀️

We're not sure if they've eloped with the teaspoons or simply decided to take a break and explore the world beyond the office cabinets, but one thing's for sure – we’re missing them dearly! 😢

In the meantime, please join Dr Luttrell and Dr Lawson in raising a coffee-filled wine glasses to toast the memories we shared with our beloved cups. Here's to countless mornings fueled by caffeine, laughter, and Arnott’s biscuits! 🎉☕

And to our dear coffee cups, wherever you may be, remember this: You'll always have a special place in our hearts (and our coffee breaks). Come back soon! 💖☕

🛴🙊🤣🙌

🌟 We are thrilled to introduce another fabulous addition to our team at Launceston Medical Centre - Dr. James Luttrell! 🌟

A true local, Dr. Luttrell was born and raised right here in Launceston, and we couldn't be happier to welcome him to our practice. After completing his medical training at the prestigious University of Tasmania in 2012, he embarked on a remarkable journey that took him to hospitals across New South Wales and South Australia.

However, the call of home proved irresistible, and after 9 fulfilling years away, Dr. Luttrell returned to Tasmania in 2021 to raise his young family and reconnect with the community he knows and loves.

With a passion for all aspects of General Practice, Dr. Luttrell brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise. His special interests in sexual health, dermatology, and skin cancer medicine make him a valuable addition to our team, ensuring comprehensive care for our patients.

Outside of medicine, James is a dedicated family man who cherishes spending time with his kids, exploring the breathtaking Tasmanian wilderness, and indulging in his hobbies, which include frisbee and gardening!

Join us in extending a warm welcome to Dr. James Luttrell! We are excited to have him on board and look forward to the exceptional care and dedication he will provide to our patients. Feel free to book an appointment with him and experience his compassionate approach firsthand. 🩺✨

For bookings, please visit http://tinyurl.com/JamesLuttrell2

🌟 We're delighted to introduce the newest member of our team at Launceston Medical Centre - Dr. Luke Heathcote! 🌟

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Heathcote as he embarks on this exciting new chapter in his medical career. Starting in January 2024 as a GP registrar, Luke brings with him a passion for patient care and a commitment to excellence in General Practice.

A proud Tasmanian, Luke's journey in medicine began at the University of Tasmania, where he graduated in 2021. Since then, he has gained invaluable experience at the Launceston General Hospital, where he immersed himself in various rotations, including Paediatrics, General Surgery, the Emergency Department, Acute Medical Unit, and Scottsdale General Practice.

Dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered healthcare, Luke is eager to continue learning and growing in the field of general practice. His enthusiasm and dedication to his patients' well-being make him a valuable addition to our team.

Beyond his medical pursuits, Luke embraces his Tasmanian roots by indulging in outdoor adventures like bushwalking and camping, as well as enjoying the vibrant food and wine scene that our beautiful island has to offer.

We're excited to have him on board and look forward to the exceptional care and compassion he will bring to our patients. 🩺

To book an appointment with Luke, visit 👉 http://tinyurl.com/lukeheathcote

✨

🎉👨‍⚕️🏔️ Congratulations to our amazing Dr. Dan Lack on an incredible achievement! 🏔️👨‍⚕️🎉

We couldn't be more proud of Dan who has earned his Fellowship of the Academy of Extreme Environment Medicine! 🌟 His dedication to pushing the boundaries of medical practice in some of the world's most challenging environments is truly remarkable.

From the icy landscapes of Antarctica to the towering heights of Mount Kilimanjaro, Dr. Lack has exemplified courage, resilience, and expertise in providing medical care where it's needed most. 🏔️❄️

As a special treat please see some of his breathtaking photos from his recent expeditions! 📸✨

🌍🏥