Clinic News

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

 

PrEP (Truvada®) is now available on the PBS

HIV Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) will now be more financially accessible to men who have sex with men who are at risk of HIV transmission. The HIV PrEP drug Truvada® (tenofovir with emtricitabine) will be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from the 1st April 2018.

PrEP is the regular use of HIV medication taken as a once-daily pill by HIV negative people at high risk of HIV to prevent HIV infection. Clinical trials have shown that that PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV transmission. Our general practitioners (GPs) will now to be able to prescribe PrEP to an Australian resident who holds a current Medicare card. A PrEP script can then be dispensed from your local chemist. The PBS listing will drop the price of a PrEP script to $39.50 a month for general patients and $6.40 a month for concession card holders.

GPs Dr Damien Polioudakis and Dr Christopher Kearney are happy to provide sexual health consultations regarding PrEP and STI screening to eligible patients. We request that you make a long (double) appointments for your first consultation should you wish to discuss your eligibility for PrEP.

Victoria Harbour Medical Centre is an inclusive general practice. We continue to offer a range of medical and allied health services to our local LGBTIQ community. If you have any questions relating to our services please call us on (03) 9629 1414.