Clinic News

Coronavirus Update

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The Novel Coronavirus, now referred to as COVID-19, is an evolving international health concern. How easily the virus spreads from person-to-person continues to remain unknown. There is currently no vaccine available for this new virus.

The Australian Government Department of Health have advised there is no need for alarm in Australia at this stage. People most at risk of getting COVID-19 are those who have recently travelled in mainland China or those who have been in close contact with someone who is a confirmed case of COVID-19.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, flu like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and fatigue and/or shortness of breath.

It can take up to 14 days for symptoms to show after a person has been infected.

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days of leaving or transiting through mainland China, or within 14 days of last contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, please call the dedicated Victorian Department of Health Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398. If you need urgent medical care call emergency 000 (triple zero).

Before attending a GP clinic or hospital Emergency Department call before you arrive and tell them your symptoms and travel history or that you may have been in contact with a potential case of COVID-19.

The Department of Health continues to advise that if you have travelled from, or transited through, mainland China on or after 1st February 2020, you must isolate yourself in your home (or other appropriate location) for 14 days after leaving mainland China. This means you should not attend public places, in particular work, school, childcare or university.

You do not need to isolate yourself if you left mainland China before 1st February 2020 or if you have only travelled in Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan.

Information for travellers arriving in Australia from mainland China is available here.

Information on home isolation is available here.

If you are considering travelling to any destination with detected cases of COVID-19 information is available via the Smart Traveller website.

For specific health information refer to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Fact Sheet.

For up-to-date information refer to the Department of Health website or the Department of Health and Human Services Victoria website.

Updates are also available via the WHO website. The WHO website now includes a Myth Busters section which may assist in addressing misinformation about COVID-19.

November is Movember for Men @ Victoria Harbour Medical Centre

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Movember 2019 has officially begun!

Across the world, men die an average six years younger than women, and for reasons that are largely preventable.

During the month of November,  would like to encourage all our male patients to take care of their physical and mental health and to seek assistance when required.

Let’s have a conversation about prostate cancer, testicular cancer and your mental health.

Make an appointment with one experienced GPs for a health check this Movember! Consultation fees apply.

For those needing urgent help call Lifelife on 13 11 14.

Ranitidine (Zantac) Recall

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The TGA has recently announced a recall of several Ranitidine containing products from the Australian market.

Ranitidine, which is marketed in Australia under the brand name Zantac and various generic brands, is a tablet or liquid used to reduce stomach acid.  Ranitidine is commonly prescribed to treat heartburn, reflux and stomach ulcers.  This medication may have been prescribed by your GP, but it can also be purchased without a prescription from pharmacies, supermarkets and other retailers.

The TGA has advised that there is no immediate health risk associated with Ranitidine as the risks are associated with long-term use with this medication.  However, people who use Ranitidine may need to switch to alternative therapies.

If you have been prescribed or are taking Ranitidine please make an appointment with one of our GPs for a clinical review to discuss how your medication fit in with your treatment plan.  Consultation fees apply.

Further information about this recall can found at the TGA website: https://www.tga.gov.au/alert/ranitidine

World Mental Health Day

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This year, World Mental Health Day, an initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, will be celebrated on Thursday 10th October 2019. It is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy.

Mental illness is very common. 1 in 5 (20%) Australians are affected by mental illness, yet many don’t seek help because of stigma.
Victoria Harbour Medical Centre is committed to ensuring all our patients take care of their physical, mental, emotional and social health, and to seek assistance when required.
Our GPs are here to support you through any challenging mental health issue or personal crisis, such as stress, grief, anxiety, depression and substance misuse. Regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation, our GPs respect your right to be heard, understood and cared for.
Please call (03) 9629 1414 to make an appointment with one of our highly trained GPs if you would like to have a chat about your mental health. Consultation fees apply.

For after-hours support call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or LifeLine on 13 11 14 and if you’re in immediate danger, call Emergency Services on 000.

Free Measles Vaccine

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Free Measles Vaccine
 
The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services has just expanded eligibility criteria for the free Measles (MMR) vaccine.
 
Infants aged from six (6) months to less than 11 months can receive a free dose of MMR vaccine prior to overseas travel.  This dose is in addition to the scheduled MMR vaccine doses usually administered at ages 12 months (MMR) and 18 months (MMRV).
 
One (1) or two (2) doses of free MMR vaccine is also available for all adults born during or since 1966 without evidence of receiving two (2) documented doses of valid MMR vaccine or without serological evidence of immunity. 
 
The free Measles (MMR) vaccine is available for all Medicare and non-Medicare card holders.
 
Please make an appointment with one of our GPs if you think you are eligible for a free Measles (MMR) vaccine.  Consultation fees apply.

run 4 kids 2019

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On Sunday the 7th of April, 2019 five members of Victoria Harbour Medical Centre successfully completed “The Run for the Kids” marathon.

They raised $700 through registration and fundraising for this amazing cause.

Well done and thank you to Dr Michelle Wellington, Dr Kirsten Scott, Dr Leah Watts, Dr Timothy Johnston, Lorianna Marchese (our Practice Nurse) and Angus our little helper!!