DOCTORS ON MATERNITY LEAVE
Dr Kerryn Lownie and Dr Leah Dunne are now on maternity leave. Kerryn plans to return to Federation Clinic in late February 2018, and Dr Dunne in March 2018. For patients of Drs Lownie and Dunne, we have a number of other practitioners available for consultation during this time. For further information please ask our reception staff.
BOOKING APPOINTMENTS IN ADVANCE
With a high demand for appointments, we encourage all patients to book routine appointments in advance where possible, particularly those who are aware they will require a script renewal, new referral, new care plan etc. Booking appointments in advance assists us to accommodate a greater number of urgent on-the-day requests and reduces the chance of a consultation not being available at a suitable time.
SHINGLES VACCINE
What is Shingles?
Shingles is a condition that is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The Department of Health reports that as many as 1 in 3 people will develop shingles over their lifetime, and the risk increases with age. It is possible to get shingles more than once.
Shingles present as a painful rash that develops into itchy blisters that may take weeks to settle.
Preventing Shingles
There is no way to predict whether or not you may develop shingles, or how severe it will be. There is currently no cure for shingles, however, there is now a vaccine available that may help to prevent shingles from occurring. The vaccine is called “ZostaVax” and is available for people aged 50 years and over. Under the National Immunisation Program, this vaccine is provided at no charge to people aged between 70 – 79 years of age. For those not eligible for the funded vaccine, it may be purchased via prescription from a pharmacy for approximately $200.00 – $250.00 per dose
SERVICES
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
In an emergency please call '000'.
Every effort is made to keep appointments running to time, however, due to the unpredictable nature of our work this is not always possible. Patients are encouraged to contact us prior to an appointment to check that the schedule is running to time.
Please give thought to the amount of time your appointment may require. If there are multiple or complex issues that need discussion, please let reception know when booking your appointment so that sufficient time can be allocated with the doctor.
