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Volume 49

2017 Spring

NEWSLETTER

September, October November 2017

Practice Hours

INGHAM CARDWELL

Monday To Friday 7.00am—7.00pm Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Saturday 8.00am—2.00pm Saturday CLOSED

Sunday 8.00am—1.00pm Sunday CLOSED

A Doctor is available by phone till 11.00pm Weekdays on 0429074776

A $20.00 CANCELLATION FEE WILL BE CHARGED IF AN APPOINTMENT IS NOT ATTENDED WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE BEING GIVEN. A $50 FEE APPLIES TO NEW PATIENTS WHO DO NOT

ATTEND THEIR INITIAL CONSULT WITH THE DOCTOR. A HALF AN HOUR APPOINTMENT IS ALLO-CATED WITH THE DOCTOR FOR ALL NEW PATIENTS . PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL ACCOUNTS MUST

BE SETTLED AT TIME OF CONSULATION.

Walk-in appointments available

HEAD OVER TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

AND HIT THE LIKE BUTTON FOR ALL

RECENT UPDATES

Weekend Clinics Weekend clinics are for emergencies only. Saturday clinics are mixed billing (private fee/bulk billed) provid-

ing which doctor is allocated. Sunday clinics are bulk billed.

Have you considered a Shingles vaccine. Please see our friendly staff for more information

Or ask your Doctor today!!

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Ingham Family Medical Practice Cardwell Branch is now open!

Please phone 07 4227 2000 to make an appointment. We are proud to recognise this practice team’s ongoing commit-

ment to safety and quality standards within general practice. Practice Manager Mandie Scott Practice Co-ordinator Lorelle Ravell OT/Mental Health Nurse Kara Schiffiliti Exercise Physiologist Rowena Sanderson Diabetes Educator Cliff Mason/Angela Hubert Physiotherapist

INGHAM Doctors Dr Brett Scott Dr Jonathan Sprague Dr Syeda Begum Dr Rabin Vikrama Dr Corinna Smith Dr Iftikhar Gul Dr Mukesh Gupta Dr Joshua Lazarus Dr Clayton Leung Dr Robert Worswick Receptionists Melissa Perkins Jessica Lavarini Sarah Venables Emma Manassero Reagan Berger Allysha Roveda Morgan Berger Carol Groundwater Lisa Valenti Samantha Robino Nurse Manager Mandie Scott Nursing Staff Lorelle Ravell Angela Hubert Jane Devlin Rowena Mastrippolito Tracey Stoddart Kate Morton Alana Hobbs Reagan Berger (AIN) Carol Russell

CARDWELL

Doctors Dr Rabin Jason + Rotating Doctors from Ingham Receptionists Sarah Mc Lachlan (AIN) Trudy Davis Nursing Staff Angela Hubert

RUBBISH BINS

For your convenience, bins have been placed at our front entrance for the disposal of rubbish. PLEASE NOTE that the cigarette bin is for the disposal of butts only. This area remains a NO SMOKING ZONE.

CT, Ultrasound

and X ray are Here. Rural Medical Imaging (RMI) are now performing CT scans, X rays and Ultrasounds from the Allied

Health wing of Ingham Family Medical Practice building. Rural Medical Imaging is a fully bulk

billing service and will accept any referral.

Please make an appointment with your Doctor to get a referral to have any of these services performed. Please phone 07 4776 2587 to make an appointment for your

CT, X ray or Ultrasound.

DO YOU NEED AN AVIATION,RAILWAY or

MINE MEDICAL

Dr Brett Scott is a fully accredited

Medical Examiner for all of these medicals. Please phone our friendly

staff to make an appointment on 47762101 or Cardwell 42272000

Fitness Fun!!!

Ingham Family Medical would like to invite all staff ,

patients and their families to come along and join in

Fitness by Sarah exercise classes mobile:

0437244088

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Dietician

Connie & Hayley from Health Management visit Ingham Family Medical Practice once a month on a Wednesday

Visiting Psychologist Alex Bonyhai

Alex visits Ingham Family Medical Practice once

a month. Please see reception for availability.

Visiting Physiotherapist

Watch this space

CHILDHOOD IMMUNISATIONS & BEYOND

Ages for immunisations:

6 weeks

4 months

6 months

12 months

18 months

3.5 years

Please ask your Doctor for more information.

SLEEP TECHNICIAN:

Ingham Family Medical Practice in

conjunction with Queensland Sleep are

pleased to be able to offer a Portable Home

Sleep Study service to Ingham. For more

information please speak to you Doctor for a

Referral.

Visiting Professionals and Helpful Information

My Foot Dr

My Foot Dr visits the Practice every Thursday. They are located in the donga building in the back carpark. For appointments, please ring the centre on: 4725 3755 or 4725 3235 for: Sports injuries, Children’s foot & walking disorders, Orthotic therapy &

prescription insoles. ** SOLAR SCANS **

Your doctor is equipped with the revolutionary NEW skin cancer detection system that is approved by the Melanoma Foundation, and has been developed in conjunction with CSIRO so that they can detect the difference between a melanoma and a mole quickly and easily. The cost of the solar scan is $75.00+GST and the skin check performed by the doctor will be bulk-billed. Please ring the surgery to make an appointment on: 4776 2101.

TRAVEL IMMUNISATIONS

If you require travel immunisations such as Hep A and Hep B, Typhoid and Chicken Pox vac-cines, please make an appointment with your doctor for a script. Ingham Family Medical Practice administers these vaccines. Please note that we keep stock of Yellow Fever vaccines & this can be organized prior to your appointment with the doctor.

RETINAL CAMERA

At the practice we offer a free Digi-tal Retinal Photography service us-ing the latest sophisticated equip-ment to help detect any abnormali-

ties including Glaucoma, Macular

Degeneration and Retinal changes.

DENTAL PROSTHETIST

Shane Chambers, a Dental Prosthetist, visits the practice fortnightly, A Dental Prosthetist is a highly qualified and skilled member of the dental profession who constructs, fits and provides a com-plete and professional denture care ser-vice. Dental Prosthetists are Registered Health Professionals and are able to deal directly with patients. For appoint-

ments, phone 0409 432 551.

+ New natural looking dentures

+ Partial dentures

+ Implant supported den-tures

+ Denture repairs and relines

+ Sports mouth guards

Coast to Country Hearing

Family owned and operated with 20 years experi-ence. Improve your quality of life whilst maintaining

your independence, take back your hearing TODAY

Phone Margaruite or Craig on 4723 6610

Do you suffer from Headaches & Mirgraines

The Irlen METHOD could be your answer.

For more information please ask your doctor.

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Please ask the Front Office

receptionist for a fees brochure

and if necessary, to explain the

charges, which will vary

depending on the service

provided. Fees change in

November each year.

Patients sixteen and under are

bulk-billed.

Hospital Visits are not routinely bulk-billed.

Pensioners and some concession

card holders are also bulk-billed.

Please note that bulk billing does

not routinely include Senior’s or

Health Care Card holders. It is our

policy to invoice for service at the

end of each appointment.

If being bulk-billed, please sign a

Medicare voucher before leaving

the surgery.

Easyclaim is now available so

your Medicare refund can be

deposited immediately into your

bank account.

All accounts are to be settled at

time of consultation.

Access for the Disabled

Our building has ambulance and wheelchair access at the rear of the building and wheelchair access to the front door. Staff are on duty at all times to assist and a wheelchair is available if required.

Patient Consent Patient Authority Forms must be completed and signed before results can be given to anyone other than the patient to whom the results concern.

If the patient is aware that some-one other than themselves will be calling for the results, the au-thorisation form must be com-pleted at the visit with the Doctor.

Referrals Patients are required to come in and see the Doctor for a renewal of a referral to see a specialist.

Reception staff will fax and mail the original referral to the spe-cialist, and give a copy back to the patient to take with them to the specialist appointment.

Travel Assistance Forms

Patients are required to make an appointment to have their Travel forms completed and signed by the Doctor there will be no charge for this visit.

Change of Fees

ASTHMA CARE Asthma Education is provided by Registered Asthma Nurse, Mandie Scott, and is available free of charge under the GP Care Plan Initiative. Please ask your doctor for more details.

Pap Smears

Mandie Scott RN is also a Registered Pap Smear provider and is available for appointments by phoning 4776 2101.

Script Changes

Please make a short appointment with your doctor for repeat prescriptions. If this consult is kept to a script only, you will be bulk billed directly to Medicare. However, if other concerns are discussed during the consult, the doctor may charge a fee. Script orders will continue to be taken from the Chemist for Webster pack patients and nursing homes. Please Note: This is for prescriptions that your doctor at Ingham Family Medical Practice has previously prescribed for you, not for new prescriptions, a change of medication or new patients to the practice.

Pathology Service

Sullivan Nicolaides operates a collection centre from 7:30am to 4:15pm Monday to Friday, and on Saturday morning from 8:00am to 10:30am. They are located in the

building next door.

Telehealth Consults offers the ability for our patients who live in rural and remote areas to see a specialist without the need to travel long distances. Specialists who of-fer this service include; Endocrinol-ogy, Dermatology, Allergy & Immu-nology , Fertility, Renal Medicine, Geriatrics, Neurology, Oncology & Haematology, Ophthalmology, Pae-diatrics & Psychiatry.

Patient Information:

Patients, please ensure you advise reception staff of any change of personal details including your address, phone number and mobile phone, concession card entitlement etc. Also, your email address if applicable, before seeing the doctor.

If you have any medical records at other medical clinics which you would like transferred to our practice, please ask for a form which will need to be signed by both yourself and your doctor, and hand to reception staff.

Children’s Corner Toys and books are provided for children in the special area set aside in the waiting room. Parents are asked to supervise children at all times for the safety and comfort of our Patients. Colouring in pictures a and pencils are also available—please ask the reception staff.

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Home Visits

Home visits are available for regular patients who have conditions which prevent them from at-tending the surgery. Please speak to the Front Office reception-ists for more information regarding home visits.

Telephoning your Doctor?

If you wish to speak with a doctor

during normal practice hours, please

advise reception staff who will ensure

that your message is passed on. The

doctor will phone back at a mutually

convenient time.

Emergency Evacuation Plan:

The plan on the last page of this newsletter shows the layout of the practice building with an exit path from the corridor at the rear of the building shown with a dashed line. You will find copies of this plan with details of exit paths applicable to each area, posted throughout the building. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these plans so that you are prepared in the event of an emergency evacuation.

Appointments:

Appointments can be made by calling the Ingham Practice on 4776 2101or Cardwell Practice on 4227 2000. Every effort will be made to accommodate your

preferred time. For lengthy appointments please request a long consultation when making your appointment. This will avoid delaying services to following patients. Urgent medical problems and

emergencies are always given priority.

Please notify the receptionist if you know that you require more investigative procedures like eyesight checks, ECG or Spirometry tests, urine samples, Audiology, Health Assessments and Childhood

Immunisations, before seeing your doctor.

After Hours

Available on after hours GP helpline—call 1800

022 222 (see attached brochure)

Alternatively, the Ingham Hospital has an emergency department available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Ph: 4720 3025

PATIENT SURVEY FORMS

We value your feedback! Please take the

time to complete a Patient Survey Form

which are located in the waiting room to

assist us in providing the best quality health

care to you.

Vanilla Slice

Ingredients

• 1 Pkt Lattice Biscuits

• 600ml Double cream

• 100g Pkt vanilla pudding mix Method

Place a layer of crackers on the bottom of a paper lined rectangular bak-

ing dish. Mix cream and pudding together until thick, pour onto biscuit base and top with another layer of biscuits.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Optional: When in season, add two fresh mangoes

peeled and sliced to the mixture topped with the following icing. Passionfruit Icing Makes 1/2 cup

• 1 cup (120g) icing sugar

• 1 tablespoon passionfruit pulp

• 1 teaspoon (15g) butter, softened

In a bowl, mix the ingredients together until an even spreadable consistency is reached

Have you ever had Chicken Pox

You may be at risk of Shingles.

Help Protect yourself, ask your

Doctor about ZOSTAVAX

Now Available by Script

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SERVICES WE OFFER

Health Assessments A Health Assessment is an over-all assessment of one’s health and physical, psychological and social function, and helps determine if preventative health care and edu-cation is required. A health assess-ment is performed annually. A Health Assessment is age and culture based -

75 years and over

55 years and over for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders

Care Plans A Care Plan is put in place for people with chronic conditions such as Dia-betes, Asthma, Heart Disease, etc. It involves an allied health service, eg educator or chemist. It is to help you understand and take better con-trol of your condition. A Care Plan is reviewed 6 month and 12 month intervals and is performed by a doctor and a practice nurse.

Healthy Kids Check A Healthy Kids Check is for eve-ry four year old child in Austral-ia. The Healthy Kids Check will promote early detection of life-style risk factors, delayed devel-opment and illness, and intro-duce guidance for healthy life-styles and early intervention strategies. It is performed by a doctor and a practice nurse.

45 Year Old Health Check A Health Check is targeted at people between 45 and 49 years of age (inclusive) who are at risk of developing a chronic disease. A chronic disease or condition is one that has been or is likely to be present for at least six month, including, but not limited to, Asthma, Cancer, Cardiovascular Illness, Diabetes Mellitus, Mental Health Condi-tions, Arthritis and Musculoskeletal conditions. The aim of the health check is to assist with de-tection and prevention of chronic disease and early intervention strategies to be implemented where appropriate. This check is performed by

your doctor and a practice nurse.

Occupational Therapist &

Exercise Physiologist

Kara Schifilliti is our Mental Health Endorsed Occu-pational Therapist & Rowena Sanderson is our new Exercise Physiologist. Please ask your Doctor for a referral to see them.

Skin Cancer Services

We offer a thorough skin check and scan with our solar scan to detect the difference between a melano-ma and a mole quickly and easily. Your doctor will refer you to a specialist dermatologist or plastic surgeon if required.

Diabetes Please ask your Doctor for a referral to see our Diabetes Educator, Mr Cliff Mason. Cliff has over 20 Years experience in Diabetes and Self Management Education. He also specializes in Chronic Disease Management.. Cliff enjoys inspiring and supporting peo-ple to gain confidence in managing their health care.

Obstetric Services Amanda Gosney is our qualified Midwife dedicated and committed to caring for expectant mothers as a shared care arrangement with their specialist service in Townsville. Amanda is currently on Maternity Leave

Ophthalmology Services Ingham Family Medical has recently purchased a new slit lamp, tonometer and retinal camera to:

• Facilitate further diagnosis and early detection of eye conditions in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients

• Accurately measure pressure in the eye to test for glaucoma

• Locate foreign bodies in eyes for easier removal and with less discomfort

Indigenous Health Incentive Program

An Australian Govt funded program for patients of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin, aged 15 years and over, with chronic diseases (asthma, diabe-

tes, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, stroke, etc). A Health Assessment is performed every 9 months and a Care Plan is reviewed every 3 months by a doctor and

a practice nurse. The PBS Co-payment measure will give you access to cheaper medicines by reducing the co-payment.

Additional Services This practice offers the following services in addition to routine consultations: Immunisations (childhood /overseas travel), Minor surgery, the freezing of sunspots and warts, Women’s health / Men’s health, Antenatal care, Medical check-ups, Family planning advice and sex education. Testing: ECG (heart), Audio (hearing), and Spirometry (lung). Please ask at reception for further details.

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Mental Health Endorsed Occupational Therapist We are pleased to announce that Kara Schifilliti (Occupational Therapist) has joined the team at Ingham Family Medical Practice. Kara is here to help you with services that will have you live a better

life. She works towards achieving individual goals through the use of purposeful activities, assessment and tailored treatment. She assists individuals to participate in daily living tasks and assists in restoring their level of functioning, despite injury, illness, psychological or emo-tional difficulties, development delays or the effects of aging. She spe-cialises in the following: - Education support regarding health conditions - Home assessments - Equipment prescriptions - Driving assessments - Home medication recommendations - Pre-employment functional assessment - Work site assessments

- Medico legal reporting

- Focused therapy services

Exercise Physiologist Rowena Sanderson is a highly experienced Exercise Physiologist.

The exercise prescription she provides to clients is always based on the clients conditions, likes/dislikes and goals. While she can (and will) cover all areas of Exercise Prescription she also specializes in the following: Hydrotherapy – Chronic disease, neuropathy and disability, Pain

management, Pre and post Surgical rehabilitation.

Clinical Pilates - Back Pain management, Improving posture, light

whole body resistance work. Scapular stabilisation.

Injury Management and Work Hardening programs – Development

and implementation of rehabilitation program to return injured work-

ers back to work. May or may not include hydrotherapy.

A GP Referral is required to see Rowena. To book an appointment

please phone our friendly reception staff in Ingham on 47762101.

Diabetes Educator Cliff graduated as a registered nurse in 1990 with a keen interest in making a difference to peoples' health care. He worked in general medi-cal and surgical areas and particularly enjoyed surgical ICU. It was in this capacity that he saw an increasing number of people with diabetes who were presenting serious health issues that significantly compro-mised their health and quality of life. Cliff went back to uni in 1996 to gain post-graduate qualifications in Diabetes Self-Management Educa-tion and have worked in this specialist area of nursing since then. Since gaining Credentialed status in 1999 he has worked on many community projects in Melbourne, Perth and Queensland establishing and contrib-uting to new programs. In 2006 Cliff did further study in Chronic Dis-ease management. He really enjoys working with, inspiring and sup-

porting people to gain confidence in managing their health care.

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This practice offers the following services in addition to routine consultations: Immunisations (childhood /overseas travel), Minor surgery, and the freezing of sunspots and warts, Mental Health Nurse, Health Check for 45—49 years of age, Women’s health /

Men’s health, Solar Scans, Antenatal care, Medical

check-ups, Family planning advice and sex education. Testing: ECG (heart), Audio (hearing), and Spirometry (lung). Please ask at reception for further details.

Quality Assurance:

Should you have any comments/suggestions about the service provided to you, please fill out a patient feedback survey available in the waiting room, or ask at the front counter. We welcome your input!

Tea or Coffee?

Complimentary tea and coffee is available while waiting

to see a doctor. This is located on the left hand side of

the waiting room near the water cooler.

PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY:

“To provide comprehensive and

thoughtful medical care to

individuals and families;

To keep abreast with the latest

medical innovations; and

To strive to offer efficient and

friendly service”

Positive Health Action

Health Quality and Complaints Commission

Need more help? For further information, please call Qld Toll Free: 1800 077 308

X-RAYS FILMS AND DISCS:

Patients, please ensure that x-ray films and discs are collected from reception if you require these for future reference. These belong to you, and should be kept at home in a safe place. Uncollected films and discs will be disposed of after three months.

INGHAM FAMILY MEDICAL PRACTICE

This Practice has been accredited by GPA 2015

After-hours Service Please call after hours

GP helpline on

1800 022 222

(see attached brochure)

Alternatively, the Ingham Hospital has an emergency

department available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Ph: 4720 3025