Clinic News

November is Movember for Men @ Victoria Harbour Medical Centre

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

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

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

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

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!!

SafeScript real-time prescription monitoring

Doctors and pharmacists in Victoria will soon be legally required to check SafeScript when writing or dispensing a prescription for a high-risk medicine.

Victoria Harbour Medical Centre is now participating in SafeScript.

What is SafeScript?

SafeScript is computer software that provides doctors and pharmacists involved in your care with a comprehensive history of the high-risk medicines you have been prescribed. This will help them make safer decisions and provide better care. They’ll be able to identify where you may be receiving medicines in potentially harmful quantities or combinations.

Which medicines will be included in SafeScript?

  • strong pain-killers such as morphine (re: Kapanol) and oxycodone (eg: OxyContin and Endone)
  • benzodiazepines (eg: Diazepam / Valium / Kalma / Temazepam / Temaze)
  • zolpidem or zopiclone sleeping tablets (eg: Stilnox and Imovane)
  • quetiapine (eg: Seroquel)
  • codeine (eg: Panadeine / Panadeine Forte / Nurofen Plus)

Will the system prevent me from receiving my regular medicines?

It is important not to discontinue your medicines abruptly without talking to your doctor or pharmacist. SafeScript does not tell your doctor or pharmacist what to do. SafeScript provides additional information about your medication history to assist them with making sure the medicines you are prescribed remain safe for you. If you have been receiving the same medicines, or unsafe combinations, from more than one doctor without each doctor knowing, you could be at risk of harm. Your doctor may consider changes for your safety which might include better coordination of care, safely adjusting your medicine doses or managing your condition in other ways.

How will my privacy be protected?

SafeScript has been designed to meet Victorian and national security standards to protect patient information. Data is encrypted at all times to keep your information protected and secure.

Where can I find out more information about SafeScript?

Further information is available on the SafeScript website at www.health.vic.gov.au/safescript