Medical on William

It’s that time of the year… Flu Season is approaching!❄️

If you are over the age of 65; between 6 months - 5 years of age, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, or suffer from a serious health condition, you are eligible for a free flu vaccine!

If you’re not eligible for a free shot, we have plenty of private flu vaccines in stock and it will only cost you $20.

Please call us on (02) 5507 9600 to book in for your flu vaccine or discuss with your doctor at your next appointment.

Congratulations to these legends for their efforts over the weekend! 🏀🏀
Both U/16 Girls and U/18 Boys competed for the Premiers spot in Coffs Harbour 3x3 Basketball Tournament. Our girls team won the Premiership qualifying for the State Championships in January and U/18 Boys got runners up! Fantastic performance from all involved, another successful year of sponsorship! Congratulations to The Grange Basketball Team 🏀🏀

**Attention all concession card holders**

Have you been holding out on your health care because of the cost?

With the new government Bulk Billing incentives for pensioners and those under 16, we are now able to Bulk Bill for our pre-existing concession card holders for standard face to face consultations.

Don’t put your health care off any longer, it’s time for a check up!

NOTE:- New patients will still be charged for an initial consultation then Bulk Billing can be applied.

Join us in welcoming our newest addition to Medical on William!

Dr Jun Zhang.

Dr Jun Zhang is taking on new patients. If you need any upcoming appointments or need medical advice feel free to schedule a visit with Dr Jun Zhang. Reach out to our friendly staff to book 02 5507 9600!

Introducing Dr Belinda Chai!

I have been in Port Macquarie for 12 months. My interest are Chronic Disease Management, Disease Prevention, Musculoskeletal injuries and ALL things interesting in GP land. I enjoy cross country running, tennis, swimming and entertaining my mini Poodle. Please contact Medical On William on 5507 9600 to make an appointment with me. Looking forward to meeting you.

Are you looking for a friendly, competent female GP ready to take on your care? Please phone us on 5507 9600 to talk to our lovely reception team to make your first booking!

We are welcoming new patients!

We are excited to announce that Dr Belinda Chai will be joining our practice starting Monday, 7th of August.

Please call the practice on (02) 5507 9600 or use the Health Engine app to book an appointment.

Merry Christmas from the team at Medical on William! We wish you a happy, safe and healthy Christmas and New Years!🎄🎉

We will be closed from the 25th December 2022 until the 2nd January 2023. We will re-open on Tuesday, 3rd January 2023 at 8:00am.

If you become covid positive and are over the age of 70 years, or over the age of 50 years with chronic medical illness, you may be eligible for covid antivirals. Please phone Care in the Community on 6589 2515, or Healthy North Coast GP telehealth on 1800 931 158 to access medical assistance.

For medical emergencies, please present to the Emergency Department at the Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

We will be closed tomorrow, Friday 28th October.

Open again Monday, 31st October 😊

We are welcoming new patients!

We are excited to announce that Dr Georgia Heron and Dr Lydia Van Den Bosch will be joining our practice starting Monday, 8th August.

Please call the practice on (02) 5507 9600 or use the Health Engine app to book an appointment.

ATAGI has updated eligibility for additional (second) COVID-19 winter booster doses to help reduce serious illness from COVID-19:

• People aged 50 years and over are now recommended to get an additional winter booster
• People aged 30 years and over are now also eligible to receive an additional winter booster dose if they want

The interval between booster doses or following a recent COVID-19 infection is now 3 months.

If you were previously recommended to get an additional winter booster dose you are strongly encouraged to get it as soon as you are due, as you are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19. This includes:

• all adults aged 65 years or older
• residents of aged care or disability care facilities
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years or older
• people who are severely immunocompromised (this will be their fifth dose)
• people aged 16 years or older with a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness
• people aged 16 years or older with disability, significant or complex health needs, or multiple comorbidities which increase the risk of a poor outcome.

If you’re due for a booster, don’t delay.

More information: www.health.gov.au/news/atagi-updated-recommendations-for-a-winter-dose-of-covid-19-vaccine

Free flu shots for NSW residents will be extended until 17 July amid concerns vaccination rates are still not where they should be.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the latest data shows only one in four children aged under five has had a flu shot, while the figures are even lower for kids aged five to 15.

“It’s really worrying that just over 18 per cent of children and teenagers have had a flu jab and for kids aged six months to five years, the figure is 25 per cent,” Mr Hazzard said.

“These numbers are particularly concerning given in the last month, four times as many kids have been admitted to Sydney’s two children’s hospitals with flu than with COVID.”

Mr Hazzard urged families to use the school holidays to book in for a free flu shot.

“It only takes a few minutes to get a flu jab but that time could mean the difference between you or one of your loved ones ending up in ICU so please, book in today,” Mr Hazzard said.

The uptake of the influenza vaccine in adults is equally worrying, with less than 40 per cent of 50 to 65 year olds and only 64 per cent of those aged over 65 having a flu jab.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant urged more people to come forward for their influenza vaccination to prevent unnecessary hospitalisations.

“More than 1,000 people presented to our EDs with flu-like illness last week and almost 165 were so unwell they were admitted, including very young children,” Dr Chant said.

“Please take advantage of the offer of the free vaccination to protect yourself against the flu this winter. There is plenty of supply and appointments available at GPs and pharmacies.”

The low uptake in Sydney’s west and south-west continues to be of concern, so too in parts of far northern NSW and the State’s central west.

For flu vaccine uptake figures by age group and local government area, visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/flu-vaccination-rate.aspx

One week left to get your FREE flu vaccination!

We are anticipating a surge in flu activity right through winter and into spring, so it’s not too late to get vaccinated. There is plenty of stock available at pharmacies and GPs, so please book your appointment today for before 30 June.

Anyone in NSW over the age of 6 months is eligible for a flu vaccination.

Free FLU vaccinations will be available for all NSW residents as from tomorrow, 1st June!

Medical on William will be running FLU vaccination clinics for all residents of Port Macquarie & its surrounding areas.

Please call our admin team on 5507 9600 to book.

Get back to… Dr King’s fast track to fitness He ministers medical care every day to others as a General Practitioner, but Dr Adam King confesses that he’s a ‘bad patient’ himself. Two years ago, Dr King fractured two vertebrae in his cervical spine – the C1 vertebra, the C5 vertebra and also the base of the skull. It was the early days...

A free flu jab will be available to all NSW residents in a month-long blitz from June 1 in an effort to combat this year’s expected severe influenza season.

With a sharp increase in flu cases already, the NSW Government will fund flu vaccinations at GPs and pharmacies until June 30.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said there were 1,140 cases of respiratory illness notified this week, compared with 766 in the previous week and 150 presentations and admissions to hospitals.

“We strongly urge everyone over six months of age to get a flu shot as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones, as the virus is easily spread and potentially deadly,” Dr Chant said.

“This is particularly important for those in high-risk groups, such as the elderly and children aged six months to five years. If you live in an aged or disability care facility, are aged over 65 or are immunocompromised, now is the time to book in.

“We also recommend a COVID-19 winter booster if you are eligible, as both flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time.”

The Commonwealth Government provides vaccines for vulnerable populations, and funds GPs through the MBS to administer vaccines. However, as COVID-19 has taught us, the role of pharmacies is crucial and the NSW Government is funding community pharmacies to deliver influenza vaccinations this June.

NSW Health has also permitted pharmacies to administer flu vaccines to children aged five years old, reduced from 10 years, making it easier for families to be vaccinated together. GPs will be reimbursed for any flu stock they have already purchased that is used in the month of June for this vaccination program.

The Commonwealth Government provides free flu vaccine for those considered to be at higher risk of severe illness from the flu, including:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from six months of age
- Children from six months to under five years of age
- People with serious health conditions (including severe asthma, diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease)
- Pregnant women
- People aged 65 and over.

Other protective measures individuals can take include staying at home if sick and washing your hands. Find out more about how to protect yourself from the flu at www.nsw.gov.au/flu.

Free Flu shots for all in June

A free flu jab will be available to all NSW residents in a month-long blitz from June 1 in an effort to combat this year's expected severe influenza season.

With a sharp increase in flu cases already, the NSW Government will fund flu vaccinations at GPs and pharmacies until June 30.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said there were 1,140 cases of respiratory illness notified this week, compared with 766 in the previous week and 150 presentations and admissions to hospitals.

"We strongly urge everyone over six months of age to get a flu shot as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones, as the virus is easily spread and potentially deadly," Dr Chant said.

"This is particularly important for those in high-risk groups, such as the elderly and children aged six months to five years. If you live in an aged or disability care facility, are aged over 65 or are immunocompromised, now is the time to book in.

"We also recommend a COVID-19 winter booster if you are eligible, as both flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time."

The Commonwealth Government provides vaccines for vulnerable populations, and funds GPs through the MBS to administer vaccines. However, as COVID-19 has taught us, the role of pharmacies is crucial and the NSW Government is funding community pharmacies to deliver influenza vaccinations this June.

NSW Health has also permitted pharmacies to administer flu vaccines to children aged five years old, reduced from 10 years, making it easier for families to be vaccinated together. GPs will be reimbursed for any flu stock they have already purchased that is used in the month of June for this vaccination program.

The Commonwealth Government provides free flu vaccine for those considered to be at higher risk of severe illness from the flu, including:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from six months of ageChildren from six months to under five years of agePeople with serious health conditions (including severe asthma, diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease)Pregnant womenPeople aged 65 and over.

Other protective measures individuals can take include staying at home if sick and washing your hands. Find out more about how to protect yourself from the flu at Influenza (flu) | NSW Government

ATAGI has now recommended a 2nd COVID-19 booster (4th dose for most people) for all patients 16 and over who may be at risk of severe COVID-19.

This includes patients with cancer, chronic lung disease, chronic liver disease, severe kidney disease, chronic neurological disease, diabetes requiring medication, chronic heart disease, BMI 40+

For more information speak to your GP or seehttps://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2022/05/expanded-atagi-recommendations-on-winter-covid-19-booster-doses-for-people-at-increased-risk-of-severe-covid-19_0.pdf

During winter our risk of catching viral illnesses is higher. Both flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness and death, especially for those with underlying health conditions.

It is safe and convenient to get both flu and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. Stay well this winter – speak to your local GP or pharmacy if you would like to receive both vaccines together.

By protecting yourself, you’ll help keep your family, friends and community safe too.
More info: www.nsw.gov.au

We know that viruses such as the common cold, flu and COVID-19 are spread through small particles in the air when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes.

When we are indoors it’s more difficult to maintain social distancing, making it easier for viruses to spread. Poor ventilation can also contribute to the spread.

Since people spend more time indoors in winter, there is an increased risk of viral transmission.

To reduce the risk of transmission this winter:
• Stay up to date with your vaccinations – including COVID-19 and flu
• Stay home if you’re sick
• Wear a mask indoors or when physical distancing isn’t possible
• Rug up and gather outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces if you can
• Maintain good hand hygiene

Have you had your 2022 flu vaccine?

With so little flu around over the last few years, experts are concerned about waning levels of immunity in the community and are strongly encouraging the vaccine for all

Government funded Flu Vaccines are available for

✅️ Children aged 6months to under 5 yrs
✅️ Pregnant women 🤰
✅️ Aged 65 years or older
✅️ Aged 6 months or older with eligible chronic health conditions
✅️ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients aged 6m or older

Private Flu Vaccines are also available to patient who do not fit the above criteria.

Please call our reception on 6584 5244 to book an appointment

There has been a lot of press about the demise of bulk-billing, and the increasing number of GPs who are now shifting to mixed or private billing.

Many people don’t seem to understand how bulk-billing works and why many GPs are now considering charging a fee for service instead of relying on the rebate that Medicare assigns for their services.

While I work in a privately billed practice, many of my GP colleagues working in a bulk billing clinic are finding it untenable to continue working and providing optimal care while the Medicare rebates remain frozen.

One colleague wrote the following anonymously. Please read and help lobby the major parties to invest in YOUR health by increasing the Medicare rebate that you receive.

We are the only medical health professionals expected to universally bulk bill and are seen as greedy when we speak out about how untenable it is. Psychologists, dietitians, podiatrists, physiotherapists, osteopaths and other health professionals very rarely bulk bill for their services because they simple cannot accept the negligible rebate the government offers as being adequate for their services.

There is a reason why General Practice is attracting so few new trainees. This is contributing to the biggest shortage of GPs seen in recent years.

Something needs to change so that people can continue to access affordable healthcare.

- Sara

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

By Anonymous GP:

“Friends, hear me out. Come at this from a place of learning and growth mindset, as the vast majority of people have no clue how the business of General Practice works.

Bulk-billing is no longer sustainable in Australia without substantial sacrifice to consultation time (think 5 minute medicine), and even then, many practices will struggle to survive. Gaps are now essential for practices to survive. GPs are now at breaking point, and it can't go on.

Please understand, the Medicare rebate is YOUR payout from the Government to help YOU pay for your healthcare. It has nothing to do with the ACTUAL COST of your healthcare, which is MORE THAN DOUBLE your rebate amount, as per the AMA recommendation.

Medicare does not pay GPs. Medicare pays YOU. When you're bulk-billed, you provide consent to redirect YOUR rebate to your GP as payment for their service. The GP just simply misses out on the difference between the Government's handout to you, and the actual value of their service provided.

At the moment, your rebate stands at $39.10 for any consult lasting between 6 to 20 minutes, which has to cover... room rental, disposables and other overheads, nursing salary, receptionist salary, compulsory medicolegal insurance, income protection, superannuation, income tax, mandatory professional development, etc etc. And some left over for the doctor to live off. It's

Government funded Flu Vaccines will be available from Tuesday, 19thth April 2022 for our patients who are:

✅️ Children aged 6months to under 5 yrs
✅️ Pregnant women 🤰
✅️ Aged 65 years or older
✅️ Aged 6 months or older with eligible chronic health conditions
✅️ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients aged 6 months or older

Private Flu Vaccines are also available to patient's who do not fit the above criteria.
Please call our reception on 5507 9600 to book an appointment

Medical on William will be closed Thursday 20th & Friday 21st January due to staff shortages

We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause to our patients.

If you require ugent medical care please present to the Port Macquarie Base Hospital Emergency dept

The practice will reopen at 8am on Monday 24th January

You can now get your booster vaccination 4 months since your second dose.

From 31 January, this will shorten to 3 months.

A COVID-19 booster dose strengthens your immune system and helps you maintain a high level of protection against the virus.

New evidence shows that a shorter interval to your booster dose will provide better protection against new COVID-19 variants like Omicron.

If you can’t remember when you received your second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, check your COVID-19 digital certificate or immunisation history statement, which you can find through myGov.

Don’t delay, if you’re due for your booster book an appointment today: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/vaccination/get-vaccinated/boosters