Services for Patients

DOCTORS AT THE PRACTICE

PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH

Obstetric Services are no longer available at the Kalamunda Hospital, but the doctors at the practice are happy to share in your antenatal care, with the doctor that will be delivering your baby. This may be at any of the Private Hospitals, but also King Edward Memorial Hospital, Bentley Hospital, Swan Districts Hospital or Armadale Hospital.

HOSPITAL AND COMMUNITY CARE

All of the doctors are accredited to provide care at the Kalamunda Hospital and Health Service. As a community, we are fortunate to have this Government Hospital locally. It provides a wide range of medical, surgical and obstetric facilities.
There is information available regarding the services available from the government. Please click here for further information.
The surgery has a handbook providing community services and self help groups.

OTHER GENERAL PRACTICE SERVICES

In addition to the usual consultations, the practice provides:-

• COUNSELLING FOR INDIVIDUALS, COUPLES AND FAMILIES
• MINOR SURGICAL PROCEEDURES
  Eg: removal of skin cancers, liquid nitrogen therapy to warts and pre-cancerous "sun spots".
• CARE OF THE ELDERLY
  At the surgery, at home, in hospital, hostel or nursing home and the surgery can help with organising and arranging respite care to give carer's a "break". Health Assessments can also be carried out by the doctors and nurse at the surgery.
  Health Assessments and Care Plans
• HOSPITAL-PALLIATIVE CARE AT HOME FOR THE TERMINALLY ILL
• IMMUNISATIONS FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN
  We have a full range of the usual vaccines in stock.
• MEDICAL ADVICE AND IMMUNISATION FOR OVERSEAS TRAVEL
  This is best arranged about 6 weeks before departure and usually late afternoon is the best time to have these immunisations to minimise side effects. We have access to the latest World Medical Travel Information.
  Travel Information Services
• "WELL WOMEN" and "WELL MAN" MEDICAL CHECK UPS

OTHER GENERAL SERVICE ITEMS

• SPECIAL FACILITIES:
  Wheelchair access and toilet facilities are provided at both surgeries. There is facility to place distressed patients in a private room, whilst waiting to see the doctor.
• PATIENT RE-CALLS:
  We have a system to recall people who are due for review. ie such as diabetic patients or for a PAP Smear. Please let us know if you would like to be included in this system.
• RESULTS OF INVESTIGATIONS:
  If you want to obtain the result of a test you have had done, please speak to the sister at the surgery that you usually attend, between 1.30pm and 3.00pm. If you would prefer to check the result with your doctor, please make an appointment to see her/him.
• TELEPHONE CALLS:
  If you wish to speak to a doctor by phone, please leave your name and telephone number with the receptionist and the doctor will call you back. Often this is more convenient for the doctors at the end of their consulting session; please advice the receptionist if the matter is more urgent than this. A phone call in the middle of a consultation tends to be quite disruptive to the consultation for the patient being seen and the doctor.
• PRESCRIPTIONS:
  If you are needing a further prescription, you may put in a written request at the surgery. There is a small charge for this service. If you have not seen your doctor in the past 6 months then you will be asked to attend for a consultation. If you normal doctor is not available, due to leave, then it will be necessary to see one of the other doctors at the practice, rather than using a written request.
  Generally it is better to see the doctor for a repeat prescription, so as to assess whether there is a continuing need for the medication and also to review the medical condition. We believe regular review of patients and their medications is an important part of our continuing medical care.
  Should this not be possible then please either fill in the patient request or submit a written request to the practice. There is a small fee for this service.
• SPECIALIST REFERRALS:
  You should see one of the doctors when you need a referral to a specialist, as it is important that the specialist is aware of any other medical problems that you may have and the medications that you are taking, as these may complicate your care. If it is a follow-up specialist visit, your doctor will be willing to write a referral without seeing you. Medicare will not pay the specialist rebate if you do not have a current referral to a specialist at the time you see him/her and we are not permitted to issue them retrospectively.
• TEACHING PRACTICE:
  Our practice is an accredited teaching practice for medical students with the University of WA and with doctors in training with the RACGP. If another doctor or medical student is sitting in with your doctor, the receptionist will tell youl. If you do not want another person to be present when you are seen, please let the receptionist know and your wishes will be respected. The confidentiality of your consultation is assured at all times.
• VOCATIONAL REGISTRATION:
  All of the doctors are vocationally registered. This entitles you to a higher rebate from Medicare than for accounts from non-vocationally registered doctors. Part of vocational registration is an assurance that your doctor participates in regular continuing medical education and provides after hours care and home visits.
• INTERPRETING SERVICE:
  Translating and interpreting services can be contacted on 131 450.
• SUGGESTIONS AND COMPLAINTS:
  If you have a problem with the care that you have received from your doctors or staff, we would wish to know this. It is only in this way that we can improve the quality of the care we provide. A letter to any of the partners would be appreciated.
  If you feel that your complaint needs further investigation, you can contact the Office of Health Review, phone: (08) 9426 0100.
  If you have any suggestions as to how the practice could be improved we would be pleased to receive them in writing.

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